The resolution was backed by 10 countries, while five European nations, including France and the UK, abstained.
The brief, three-paragraph text adopted by the UN Security Council expresses regret over the conflict’s casualties and calls for peace but does not condemn Russia’s invasion. Russia vetoed European amendments that sought to explicitly label it as the aggressor and affirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Representatives of the members of the Security Council raise or do not raise their hand to indicate their vote during a Security Council meeting discussing the war in Ukraine at United Nations Headquarters in New York, New York, USA, 24 February 2025. Photo: SARAH YENESE/PAP/EPA
Earlier, the U.S. had lost a vote in the UN General Assembly, aligning with Russia and Belarus in opposing a resolution drafted by Ukraine and its allies.
Russia’s ambassador praised the U.S. initiative as a "common-sense proposal," while China supported dialogue between Washington and Moscow. European nations criticized the resolution for failing to name Russia as the aggressor and chose not to support it.
Ultimately, the General Assembly passed a European-backed resolution, but the U.S. abstained, unwilling to endorse language identifying Russia as the aggressor.
Peace through strength: Polish FM demands Russia end aggression
„No one wants and needs peace in Ukraine more than the Ukrainians. No one has a larger stake in European security than the Europeans. And no one has a greater power to end this conflict than the Russians – all they need to do is stop the killing and leave territories they illegally occupy,” said the head of Polish diplomacy during his speech.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa (L) speaks while a representative from Poland (R) listens during a Security Council meeting discussing the war in Ukraine at United Nations Headquarters in New York, New York, USA, 24 February 2025. Photo: SARAH YENESE/PAP/EPA
„While the Council remains blocked by Russia’s abuse of veto power, the right way forward remains unchanged: Russia should immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces from Ukraine’s territory,” noted Polish FM Radosław Sikorski.
„We as Europeans will continue to stand side by side with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace. Peace through strength – the only kind Kremlin respects,” - emphasized Poland's top diplomat.
Source: PAP/AP/X/@PolandMFA/eeas.europa.eu
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