The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on two competing resolutions regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting divisions between European allies and the United States over how to approach the conflict. On Monday, Ukraine’s European-backed proposal, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, will be put to a vote alongside a US-backed resolution calling for an end to the war—without explicitly condemning Moscow’s aggression.
A rift between Ukraine and the US
Tensions between Ukraine and the US have grown after President Donald Trump unexpectedly initiated talks with Russia to broker a resolution to the conflict. A US official and a European diplomat revealed on Sunday that Washington had pressured Ukraine to withdraw its resolution in favour of the American proposal. However, Kyiv refused, leading to both versions being presented to the 193-member assembly.
The diplomatic rift has also strained US-Europe relations, with European leaders reportedly blindsided by Trump’s decision to engage with Moscow without consulting them or Ukraine. A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over the Trump administration’s approach, calling it an “extraordinary turnaround” in US foreign policy.
Adding to the controversy, Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Ukraine, referring to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” falsely blaming Kyiv for starting the war, and warning that Ukraine risks losing its sovereignty unless it swiftly negotiates peace. In response, Zelenskyy accused Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation.
Competing UN resolutions
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the UN General Assembly has passed multiple resolutions condemning Moscow and demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops. Unlike the UN Security Council—where Russia holds veto power—the General Assembly votes serve as a global measure of opinion, though they are not legally binding.
Ukraine’s resolution, co-sponsored by all 27 European Union nations, explicitly refers to Russia’s “full-scale invasion” and recalls previous UN demands for Moscow to withdraw from Ukrainian territory. It reaffirms the principle that “no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognised as legal” and raises concerns over reports of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces. The document calls for an “early cessation of hostilities” and stresses the need for a resolution that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In contrast, the US resolution is notably softer in tone. It expresses regret over the “tragic loss of life” and urges a swift end to the war but avoids mentioning Russia’s invasion altogether. According to one European diplomat, Washington’s version is an attempt to build consensus around Trump’s diplomatic overtures to Moscow, rather than holding Russia accountable.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, welcomed the US approach, describing it as a “good move.” This endorsement has only deepened European concerns that the Trump administration is prioritising a political settlement over Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
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Strategic implications and international reaction
The UN vote will be closely watched to gauge whether international support for Ukraine remains strong or if the Trump administration’s shift in strategy has begun to erode backing for Kyiv. Some analysts believe Trump’s proposal is designed to test global sentiment on a potential peace deal, while others see it as an attempt to soften the US stance ahead of a possible second Trump presidency.
The US has also proposed a vote on its resolution in the UN Security Council, where China currently holds the presidency. Beijing has scheduled the vote for Monday afternoon, reflecting its growing influence in the diplomatic arena.
Meanwhile, Trump is set to host French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington on the same day. European diplomats hope that the meeting will clarify the US position on Ukraine and whether the Trump administration remains committed to supporting Kyiv’s resistance against Russian aggression.
A defining moment for Ukraine’s future
As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, the battle for international support has become just as crucial as the conflict on the ground. Ukraine remains determined to secure a clear condemnation of Moscow’s actions, while the US appears to be shifting towards a more conciliatory approach.
The outcome of Monday’s UN vote will send a strong signal about the global community’s stance on the war—whether it continues to back Ukraine’s demand for full sovereignty or moves towards the Trump administration’s push for an expedited diplomatic resolution, even at the risk of concessions to Russia.
