The United Nations Security Council officially adopted its first resolution on the Ukraine conflict on February 24, 2025, urging an end to the war and emphasizing the urgent need for lasting peace. The resolution marks three years since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has had devastating consequences for civilians and has triggered one of the largest humanitarian crises since World War II.
Introduced by the United States, the resolution garnered 10 votes in favor, with no votes against and five abstentions from countries including France, the United Kingdom, and Denmark. The Security Council's action came amid deeply rooted divisions among its permanent members, particularly between the U.S. and Russia, making the call for peace significant but politically complicated.
SOUNDBITE (English) Dorothy Shea, Chargé d ’Affaires ad interim, Permanent Mission to the United Nations: "The United States, as President Trump has made clear, is committed to ending this war, and he has been clear we must reach a lasting peace. 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."
This resolution’s language, which refrained from explicitly labeling Russia’s actions as an invasion, drew criticisms from several countries who felt this undermined the acknowledgment of the aggression. French Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere articulated this perspective, saying, "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, and certainly not for capitulation of the victim."
It's been three years since the world witnessed the brutal onset of the conflict. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo stated, "Three years ago today, the world watched in shock 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."
The consequences of this war have been severe, with DiCarlo reporting distressing statistics on civilian casualties. "The Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights has verified at least 12,654 Ukrainian civilians, including 673 children, have been killed. The year 2024 alone saw civilian casualties increase by 30 percent compared to the previous year." The extent of human suffering was laid bare as she revealed, "The war has created the largest displacement crisis in Europe since the Second World War—over 10 million Ukrainians have been uprooted."
Despite the pass of the Security Council resolution, Ukraine expressed disappointment over its failure to explicitly condemn Russia’s actions. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa voiced her gratitude to the nations supporting the UN General Assembly resolution earlier, but remarked, “We cannot say the same about the Security Council resolution.”
Betsa criticized the negotiation efforts happening without Ukrainian input, threatening the integrity of the peace process: “Russia is pushing an entirely unethical principle, negotiating about Ukraine without Ukraine, and packaging its harmful narratives.”
Russia's UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia countered the criticisms, accusing Western nations of unfairly blaming Russia for the conflict and ignoring the actions of Ukraine’s government. "The western European sponsors of the Ukrainian regime continue to shield [Ukraine] and continue to pin all blame for the Ukrainian crisis on Russia."
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski concluded his statement with, "When you are in doubt, how to behave, behave with decency. Thank you. Glory to Ukraine." This sentiment reflects the growing tensions and divisions among nations even within established diplomatic frameworks.
Earlier the same day, the UN General Assembly also adopted two competing resolutions focused on the conflict, evidencing the strategic divergences among allies on how to forward peace negotiations. The U.S. opposed one proposal aimed at reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity, leading to conflicts over language and intent within the assembly.
The situation reflects shifting U.S. policies under President Trump, diverging significantly from his predecessor, who had emphasized stronger support for Ukraine. This policy shift raises questions about the future of transatlantic cooperation and the way forward to resolve the war.
While the Security Council resolution seeks to implore the cessation of hostilities, the lack of consensus on the situation remains stark. Critics argue until there is clear accountability for aggression, sustained and meaningful dialogue remains elusive.
The UN Security Council’s recent resolution on Ukraine, albeit significant, merely scratches the surface of the multi-faceted crisis. Without clear recognition of the conflict's roots and a commitment from all parties, prosperity and peace for Ukraine may remain distant aspirations.