The United States is positioning itself to take the lead on peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict as it prepares to submit its own resolution to the United Nations Security Council. This move marks the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and it has drawn both attention and criticism from various corners, particularly from Kyiv and its European allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the US draft resolution as “a simple, historic resolution …that we urge all member states to support in order to chart a path to peace,” according to statements released late last week. Interestingly, the proposed resolution does not outright condemn Russia as the aggressor, nor does it assert Ukraine’s territorial integrity, which has raised eyebrows.
Rubio emphasized the need for the United Nations to adhere to its charter's original purpose: maintaining international peace and security and resolving disputes peacefully. “If the United Nations is truly committed to its original purpose, we must acknowledge the challenges but remain focused on the achievable goal of lasting peace,” he said. The approach appears to align with President Donald Trump’s broader philosophy of reshaping US foreign policy, prioritizing US negotiations over those involving Ukrainian and European voices.
The draft resolution expresses remorse for the “tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict” and calls for a swift end and durable peace between Ukraine and Russia. It is seen as contrasting sharply with the Ukraine-backed resolution, which cites “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation” and urges the implementation of past assembly resolutions addressing the aggression.
Rubio’s conversations with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga reiterated the US commitment to resolving the conflict through effective UN actions, signaling growing tensions between Washington, Kyiv, and European allies. This move to submit the resolution reflects Trump’s intent to place the US at the center of negotiations, which some European leaders fear may marginalize their roles and undermine Ukraine’s autonomy during the peace talks.
Moscow's ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, welcomed the US proposal, calling it “a good move”, but critiqued its failure to address the underlying issues of the conflict. Meanwhile, members of the G7 are reported to be engaged in heated discussions, with the US resisting direct mentions of “Russian aggression” in joint statements as pressures mount.
This diplomatic dance is occurring against the backdrop of renewed high-level talks between US and Russian officials, with both sides indicating the need for negotiations to settle the conflict. Rubio said post-meeting discussions would involve appointing high-level teams tasked with negotiating the end of the war, emphasizing the necessity for “concessions” from all involved parties.
Previous demands from Russia have included significant territorial concessions from Ukraine and the requirement for Kyiv to abandon its NATO aspirations—demands Ukraine has categorically rejected. The stakes are high, as President Zelensky has stated firmly he will not accept any proposals or negotiations conducted without Ukrainian representation.
Adding to the tension, President Trump recently misrepresented the origins of the conflict, inaccurately attributing it to Ukraine's actions, which prompted backlash from Zelensky and accusations of echoing Russian propaganda. Trump has also made headlines for holding phone conversations with Putin, raising alarm among Ukrainian officials and their allies about who truly holds the reins in negotiations.
Despite the US's push for this resolution, recent comments from Zelensky indicate dissatisfaction with American conditions for military and economic support, highlighting tensions as the US has reportedly asked for concessions of Ukraine's rare earth minerals without satisfactory security guarantees. Zelensky firmly rejected the idea, stating, “I cannot sell our state,” emphasizing his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The situation remains fluid as the US prepares to submit its resolution to the Security Council on Monday. Historical patterns suggest difficulties lie ahead as Russia's veto power has previously stalled significant actions on Ukraine. Nevertheless, with the draft resolution, the US aims to assert itself once again as the primary broker for peace, potentially reshaping the future of the conflict and Ukraine's role.