The United Nations Security Council made a significant move on Monday by adopting a U.S.-drafted resolution aimed at swiftly ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This decision comes as the world observes the third anniversary of the full escalation of the crisis.
The resolution emphasizes the urgent need to cease hostilities and mourns the loss of life without attributing blame to any party involved. It garnered 10 votes in favor, including major players like China, the United States, and Russia. However, countries such as France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia chose to abstain.
Russia's support for the resolution came after attempts to amend it were unsuccessful, and it blocked European proposals to include language that supports Ukraine. This strategic vote highlights the complex dynamics within the Security Council.
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, expressed optimism about the resolution, stating, \"This resolution puts us on the path to peace. It is a first step, but a crucial one – one of which we should all be proud. Now we must use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia and the international community.”
On the other hand, Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged the resolution as a starting point, despite not being ideal. He highlighted the potential for future efforts towards a peaceful settlement.
French UN Ambassador, Nicolas de Riviere, reiterated France's commitment to peace in Ukraine, advocating for a comprehensive and just resolution rather than the perceived capitulation of Ukraine.
The path to this resolution was not straightforward. Earlier attempts by European countries to pass a motion supporting Ukraine failed to secure the necessary votes, leading to the adoption of the U.S.-drafted version. Several amendments proposed by both European nations and Russia were ultimately rejected, underscoring the contentious nature of the negotiations.
In a parallel development, the UN General Assembly rejected the U.S. draft in favor of a resolution supported by Ukraine and its European allies, which underscores the divided international stance on the conflict. Notably, resolutions passed in the UN Security Council are binding under international law, marking this adoption as a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing conflict.
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UN Security Council adopts U.S.-drafted resolution on Ukraine conflict
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