UN Adopts Ukraine’s Resolution Condemning Russian Aggression, U.S. Votes Against

On February 24, a resolution presented by Ukraine and the European Union at the United Nations General Assembly, which condemned Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and demanded the withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territories, was passed.

The resolution was supported by 93 countries, while 18 voted against it and 65 abstained.

The United States voted against the measure. In her address to the General Assembly, U.S. Representative Dorothy Shea argued that previous UN resolutions condemning Russia’s actions and emphasizing its violations of international law had failed to halt the war.

Shea noted that the war has resulted in significant suffering not only for those in Ukraine but also for Russia and surrounding regions, leading to the loss of “generations of Ukrainians and Russians.”

Shea stressed that the UN must return to its fundamental goals as outlined in its Charter, particularly the aim of maintaining international peace and security through the peaceful resolution of disputes. “It is time for member states to return to the purposes and principles of the [UN] Charter, mainly, to maintaining international peace and security, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes,” she stated, outlining the goals of the U.S.-backed resolution.

She further stated, “That is why the U.S. opposes putting forward another resolution, and that is why we cannot support Ukraine’s resolution. We urge its withdrawal in favor of a strong statement, committing us to end the war and work towards lasting peace.”

The resolution proposed by Ukraine and the EU explicitly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and demands the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.

In contrast, the U.S. resolution, which was also discussed at the Assembly, expresses sorrow over the ongoing war and calls for an end to the fighting, as well as the establishment of a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.

Sources indicate that the United States had been actively encouraging other nations to support its own resolution instead of backing the Ukrainian proposal, pushing for a shift in focus toward a peace-oriented approach.

Earlier, the United States opposed Ukraine’s proposal to include security guarantees in an agreement on rare earth minerals.