UPDATED
The UN General Assembly on Monday refused to approve a US-backed resolution calling for an end to the war, a victory for Ukraine on the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion. The General Assembly eventually adopted two resolutions, one drafted by Ukraine and one drafted by the US with three amendments. However, the wording of the original US resolution was approved by the Security Council hours later - the first since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
The UN General Assembly rejected a US resolution calling for an end to the war in Ukraine because it did not mention Russian aggression. Instead, it passed a resolution, supported by Europe, demanding that Russia immediately withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory, which the administration of US President Donald Trump rejects.
Washington tried to pressure Kiev to withdraw its resolution in favour of its proposal. Ukraine refused, whereupon it passed a resolution with three amendments proposed by Europe, which added wording to the US proposal that made it clear that Moscow had attacked Kiev in violation of the UN Charter.
The amended resolution was approved by 93 votes to eight, with 73 abstentions, marking a setback for the Trump administration in the 193-member world body whose resolutions are not legally binding but are considered an indicator of world opinion.
A separate resolution drafted by Ukraine and European countries was also adopted by 93 votes to 18, with 65 abstentions. The US, along with Russia, Israel and North Korea, were among the countries that voted against.
The resolutions signalled declining international support for Ukraine. The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted Ukrainian resolutions, sometimes with more than 140 members, while condemning Russia.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa declared that her country was exercising its "natural right to self-defence".
"Promoting a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine"proposed by Ukraine and co-authored by a number of European countries, was a three-page document that included provisions stating that "the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has been going on for three years now and continues to have devastating and long-term consequences not only for Ukraine, but for other regions and global stability."
The United States has submitted its own version, called "The road to peace"which is limited to expressing regret for the loss of life during the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, reiterating that the main purpose of the UN is to maintain international peace and security and to resolve disputes peacefully, and urging a swift end to the conflict - urging a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Breakthrough in the Security Council
In the afternoon, attention turned to the Security Council, where the United States resolution was to be voted on.
As before, there were attempts to add amendments supported by several Western European countries to the "full-scale invasion" by Russia and the territorial integrity of Ukraine - and proposals by Russia to recognise the "deep-rooted causes" of the conflict and lasting peace in Ukraine and Russia.
However, these amendments were rejected and the 15-member Council adopted the resolution without amendments (10 in favour, 0 against and 5 abstentions).
Speaking after the vote, the US ambassador Dorothy Shea said that Washington sincerely appreciates the support of the Council members, adding that we "puts on the road to peace".
Undermining international foundations
After a break in the proceedings, she informed Rosemary DiCarlo, Head of the UN Department of Peacekeeping and Political Affairs, briefed the 15 Council members on the current situation in Ukraine.
She said that the Russian invasion "undermines the very foundations of the international order", and reminded delegates that at least 12,654 Ukrainian civilians, including 673 children, have been killed since 24 February 2022.
Referring to a Security Council resolution adopted earlier in the Council, Ms. DiCarlo insisted that peace in Ukraine must be "fair, sustainable and comprehensive, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions"including those adopted on Monday morning during the extraordinary session of the General Assembly.
For more information, see our extensive live coverage of the day here.
euronews/ un.org/ gnews.cz - RoZ
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