The United Nations Security Council made headlines today as it adopted resolution 2774 (2025), urging for the end of the war in Ukraine, exactly three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country. Introduced by the United States, the resolution garnered 10 votes in favor and five abstentions. Notably, France and the United Kingdom were among those abstaining, with strong statements issued about the necessity of achieving peace without compromising Ukraine's sovereignty.
Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, opened the voting session stating, "Ishall put the draft resolution to the vote now. Will those in favor of the draft resolution contained in document S/2025/112, please raise their hand?" With the voting process concluded, Fu announced, "The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2774 (2025)." This signal of international support saw 10 nations backing the draft, with none opposing it directly, yet five nations opting to abstain.
Among the strongest voices opposing the resolution was French Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere, who declared, "France did not vote in favor of the draft resolution presented by the United States. Indeed, we are fully committed to peace in Ukraine, but we call for comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, certainly not the capitulation of the victim." This reflects internal divisions among major world powers on how to address the conflict.
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized the dire humanitarian consequences of the war, underscoring today’s historical significance. "Three years ago today, the world watched as the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law. This act undermined the very foundations of the international order," she said.
DiCarlo reported on worsening civilian conditions, stating, "The war has created the largest displacement crisis in Europe since the Second World War. More than 10 million Ukrainians remain uprooted—3.6 million displaced within Ukraine and 6.9 million seeking refuge abroad." This staggering displacement figure starkly highlights the lasting impact the conflict has had on ordinary citizens.
Concerns over rising casualties were similarly raised, with DiCarlo noting, "in 2024 alone, civilian casualties increased by 30 percent compared to the previous year." She detailed the human toll of the conflict, sharing verified figures of at least 12,654 civilian deaths, including 673 children, since the onset of the invasion. DiCarlo emphasized the necessity for immediate action, saying, "the resolution urges a swift end to the conflict."
During the session, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States, Dorothy Shea, provided insight on the U.S. stance, stating, "We are under no illusions. We recognize it will be challenging to get an agreement, but the time for Russia and Ukraine to make difficult choices and end the fighting is now." Shea indicated continued U.S. commitment to finding pathways to peace amid the turbulence of the geopolitical situation.
On the other side of the aisle, the Russian envoy to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, accused Western nations of bias, saying, "The western European sponsors of the Ukrainian regime continue to shield him and continue to pin all blame for the Ukrainian crisis on Russia." His comments reflect the enduring tension and blame game between Russia and the West throughout the geopolitical conflict.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa expressed gratitude toward member nations for supporting the UN Assembly's resolution, which similarly calls for peace rooted in justice. Betsa voiced disappointment with the Security Council resolution, labeling it insufficient. "It lacks the qualification of the war as aggression of one member state against another member state," she said. Her remarks highlight the stark differences between the Ukrainian government's expectations and the resolution's language.
Further emphasizing the need for Ukraine’s inclusion, Betsa stated, "Now, Russia is pushing an entirely unethical principle, negotiating about Ukraine without Ukraine." This point reiterates Ukraine's position—any discussions about its future must involve its leadership directly.
The discussions carried poignant historical weight, with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski referencing sentiments of decency as he declared, "When you are in doubt, how to behave, behave with decency. Thank you. Glory to Ukraine." This conclusion resonates deeply, bringing to light the morally imperative call for responsible leadership amid wartime devastation.
After the vote concluded, the comparison of the competing resolutions initiated by the United States and Ukraine showcases differing views within the transatlantic alliance on the way forward for resolving the conflict. Both resolutions are built on the principles of the UN Charter and call for accountability for war crimes, stressing the need for justice and lasting peace.
With growing tensions still looming, the world watches and waits for the next steps from both nations involved and the broader international community. The time for action appears more urgent than ever as the humanitarian crisis deepens.