U.S. Pushes Ukraine to Drop U.N. Resolution on Russian Withdrawal

The U.S. urged Ukraine to withdraw its U.N. resolution, which demands Russia’s immediate troop withdrawal. Instead, Washington proposed a new resolution that does not mention Moscow’s invasion. A U.S. official and a European diplomat confirmed this.

Ukraine refused to back down. The U.N. General Assembly will vote on the resolution Monday, the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. After that, the assembly will vote on the U.S. draft. Diplomats and a U.S. official revealed this information but requested anonymity due to ongoing talks.

U.S. Seeks Security Council Vote

The Trump administration also wants the Security Council to vote on its proposal. The 15-member council will meet Monday afternoon to discuss Ukraine. Initially, it planned to vote right after. However, European diplomats said Russia might push the vote to Tuesday.

Tensions Rise Between U.S., Ukraine, and Europe

These resolutions mark the first since the war began. They highlight tensions between the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe. President Donald Trump has been in office for five weeks. He has started talks with Russia to end the war. But European leaders felt sidelined when the U.S. and Russia held private talks last week.

The General Assembly plays a key role in Ukraine matters. The Security Council remains deadlocked due to Russia’s veto power. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly votes are not legally binding. However, they show global opinion on the conflict.

Since February 24, 2022, the General Assembly has passed multiple resolutions condemning Russia. It has repeatedly called for Russian troops to leave Ukraine. Monday’s vote will reveal if global support for Ukraine remains strong or if Trump’s peace efforts are gaining traction.

U.S. Pressures Ukraine and Allies

A European diplomat said intense lobbying is happening over the resolutions. A U.S. official confirmed Washington is pressuring Ukraine and Europe to drop their draft. Meanwhile, Trump will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington on Monday.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the American resolution. He stated, “This is the moment to commit to ending the war. This is our opportunity to build real momentum toward peace.” He admitted challenges exist but insisted peace is possible. He added, “This conflict is awful, the U.N. can help end it, and peace is possible.”

Key Differences in the Resolutions

Ukraine’s resolution, backed by the European Union, clearly calls out Russia. It refers to “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.” It demands Russia “immediately, completely, and unconditionally” withdraw troops. It also calls for an immediate ceasefire and peace efforts.

The U.S. resolution is shorter. It acknowledges “the tragic loss of life” but does not mention Russia’s invasion. It calls for a swift end to the conflict and urges lasting peace.

Russia welcomed the U.S. resolution. Its U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, called it “a good move.” Moscow also suggested an amendment. It wants the resolution to include “including by addressing its root causes.” If added, the final statement would read: “Implores a swift end to the conflict, including by addressing its root causes, and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.”