A U.S.-drafted resolution on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been adopted by United Nations Security Council on Monday. 

The resolution takes a neutral position on the conflict as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to broker an end to the war.

It also reflects Trump’s upending of U.S. policy on Ukraine after taking office last month and his more conciliatory stance towards Russia. 

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged “constructive changes” in the U.S. position on the conflict. He told the council the resolution was “not an ideal one,” but “a starting point for future efforts towards peaceful settlement.”

The resolution mourns the loss of life in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict”, reiterates the U.N.’s purpose is to maintain international peace and security and peacefully settle disputes, and urges a swift end to the conflict and a lasting peace. 

The Security Council adopted the U.S. resolution with 10 votes in favor, while France, Britain, Denmark, Greece and Slovenia abstained. Russia voted in favor after failing to amend it and vetoing European bids to add language supporting Ukraine.

“This resolution puts us on the path to peace. It is a first step, but a crucial one – one of which we should all be proud,” acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea told the council. 

“Now we must use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia and the international community.”

Source: Reuters