U.S. officials are pressuring Ukraine to retract a European-backed UN resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, but Ukraine remains steadfast in its position as the General Assembly prepares to vote on the resolution on the third anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Why it matters:

The situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the shifting dynamics between the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

 

The big picture:

As the third anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war approaches, the U.S. is attempting to influence Ukraine's stance on a critical UN resolution, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and the challenges of maintaining a united front against Russia.

 

Key points:

  • The UN General Assembly will vote on Ukraine's resolution, which is supported by 27 EU countries, on the anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war.
  • The U.S. is also seeking a vote on its resolution in the UN Security Council, which may be postponed at Russia's request.
  • The competing resolutions reflect rising tensions between Washington, Kyiv, and European nations following the start of Donald Trump's presidency and his negotiations with Russia.
  • The General Assembly has passed 22 resolutions condemning the war since February 2022, demonstrating global opposition to the conflict.

 

Go deeper:

The Ukrainian resolution emphasizes the need for Russia's immediate and unconditional withdrawal, while the U.S. draft acknowledges the "tragic toll" of the conflict without labeling Russia as the aggressor.

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