UN General Assembly passes resolution on Ukraine war amid US shift and shifting alliances

On the third anniversary of the Russia -Ukraine conflict, the United Nations General Assembly adopted two different resolutions on ending the conflict. Ukraine proposed one, and the other by the United States. These competing resolutions highlight differences in strategy among countries that support Ukraine, as well as a notable shift in the US position on the war.

Key Votes and Positions

Ukraine’s resolution was passed with 93 votes in favour, 18 against, and 65 abstentions. The U.S. voted against this resolution, marking a shift in its stance compared to previous votes. In February 2023, a similar resolution had received much wider support, with 141 votes in favour.

The U.S. also introduced its own resolution, called “Path to Peace.” This resolution focused on ending the conflict but did not specifically mention Russian aggression. It was passed with 93 votes in favour, eight against, and 73 abstentions. However, the U.S. abstained from its own resolution after European countries added amendments referring to Russia’s full-scale invasion and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Russia’s proposed amendments, which aimed to recognise the deeper causes of the war, were rejected.

South Africa, India, and China were among the 65 countries that abstained from voting on Ukraine’s resolution. South Africa’s Ambassador Mathu Joyini explained that the resolution did not do enough to encourage peaceful negotiations, UN news reported.

Security Council Action

Later in the day, the U.S. resolution was put to a vote in the UN Security Council. Unlike previous attempts, this time the resolution was passed without amendments. The Security Council had previously struggled to agree on Ukraine-related resolutions due to Russia’s veto power as a permanent member. In the end, 10 Council members voted in favour, none opposed, and five abstained. After the vote, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea welcomed the outcome, saying it was a step towards peace.

Ukraine’s Response

Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mariana Betsa, told the General Assembly that how the world responds to Russian aggression will shape the future of Ukraine, Europe, and global stability. Speaking to the press outside the Security Council Chamber, she emphasized that the resolution demanded an early end to the war and a lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.

Impact of the Conflict

Rosemary DiCarlo, head of UN Political Affairs, reminded the Security Council that Russia’s invasion had weakened the foundations of international law. She reported that, since February 2022, at least 12,654 Ukrainian civilians, including 673 children, had been killed.

DiCarlo stressed that any peace agreement must be fair, lasting, and aligned with international law and UN resolutions, including those passed during the General Assembly’s emergency session.

The General Assembly’s vote reaffirmed global support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the mixed response and shifting alliances signal that divisions remain over the best way to achieve peace.