The United Nations Security Council took a significant step toward peace on Monday by adopting a resolution that calls for a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The U.S.-drafted resolution urges lasting peace between the two nations as the world marks the third anniversary of the full escalation of the crisis.
The resolution passed with 10 votes in favor, including China, the United States, and Russia. France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained from voting. Russia voted in favor after its proposed amendments failed and after vetoing European attempts to include language expressly supporting Ukraine.
“This resolution puts us on the path to peace. It is a first step, but a crucial one—one of which we should all be proud,” said acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea. “Now we must use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.”
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged the “constructive changes” in the U.S. position on the conflict. While he noted that the resolution was “not an ideal one,” he emphasized that it serves as “a starting point for future efforts towards a peaceful settlement.”
However, not all member states were fully satisfied. French UN Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere stated, “While France is fully committed to peace in Ukraine, we call for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, and certainly not for the capitulation of the victim.”
Amendments and Controversies
Earlier in the day, France, Britain, and Greece requested to postpone the vote on the resolution until February 25, but the United States opposed the delay. Before the adoption of the U.S.-drafted resolution, the Security Council voted on a motion proposed by European countries. The motion failed to pass, receiving only six votes in favor.
European nations also proposed three amendments aimed at reinforcing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These amendments sought to reaffirm the commitment to Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and to emphasize a just and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter. None of these amendments passed.
Russia, on its part, proposed two amendments, including one addressing the root causes of the conflict. Both amendments failed to gain the necessary support.
General Assembly’s Stance
On the same day, the UN General Assembly rejected the U.S. draft resolution and passed a separate resolution submitted by Ukraine and its European allies. This resolution backs Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, calling for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in accordance with the UN Charter.
Resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council are binding under international law, adding significant weight to the call for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
