NEW YORK, U.S. – The United Nations Security Council on Monday adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, signaling a stark shift in Washington’s approach under President Donald Trump.
Unlike previous U.S.-led efforts that strongly backed Ukraine, the resolution takes a neutral stance—an indication of Trump’s push to broker an end to the war.
The resolution, which expresses regret over the loss of life in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict” and calls for a peaceful resolution, was passed with 10 votes in favor.
However, France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained, while Russia—after unsuccessfully attempting to amend the text—voted in favor.
The adoption of this resolution highlights Trump’s departure from the firm pro-Ukraine stance taken by his predecessor, Joe Biden, whose administration led global efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically.
Unlike previous resolutions that explicitly condemned Moscow, the new measure avoids attributing blame, a move welcomed by Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.
He called it “not ideal” but a “starting point” for negotiations.
The shift in U.S. policy has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies, who worry that Trump’s approach could weaken Kyiv’s position in future peace talks.
British U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward warned that peace terms must ensure aggression is not rewarded, emphasizing that “there can be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how this council refers to this war.”
The U.N. General Assembly had earlier failed to pass the same resolution, despite efforts from the U.S.
The 193-member body has consistently backed Ukraine’s sovereignty, calling for a “just and lasting peace” based on the U.N. Charter. However, divisions were evident.
Ukraine and European nations pushed through their own resolution, which included stronger language in support of Ukraine.
That measure, backed by 93 countries, was seen as a diplomatic victory for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, an amended U.S.-drafted resolution—stripped of its original neutral language—also secured 93 votes but faced significant abstentions.
Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, addressing the assembly before the vote, made clear that the stakes went beyond Ukraine itself.
“This war has never been about Ukraine only. It is about a fundamental right of any country to exist, to choose its own path, and to live free from aggression,” she said.
While Security Council resolutions are considered binding, the impact of this latest measure remains uncertain.
Trump’s team has indicated he wants to take a direct role in peace talks, a move that could reshape international dynamics around the conflict.
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea called the resolution “a first step” toward peace.
“Now we must use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community,” she told the council.
