UN Security Council approves US resolution calling for end to war in Ukraine

The UN Security Council has adopted Resolution 2774 (2025), expressing profound sorrow over the loss of life as the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year. The resolution, passed with ten votes in favor, saw five countries abstain—Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom—while no member voted against it. The Council’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining international peace and security and to peacefully resolving disputes.

The resolution calls for an immediate end to hostilities and emphasizes the urgent need for a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. Speaking before the vote, the U.S. representative articulated the Council’s pivotal role in addressing “the bloodiest war on the European continent” since its establishment in 1945. She characterized the draft resolution as “a symbolic, simple first step toward peace,” stressing that it does not constitute a formal peace deal but rather a pathway to potential resolution.

The UK’s representative, however, cautioned against presenting an equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in the Council’s terminology, asserting that the body must clearly acknowledge Russia’s aggressive actions. She insisted that any peace must respect the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty, proposing several amendments to the resolution on behalf of the abstaining nations.

France’s delegate echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that proposed amendments were designed to affirm a commitment to a comprehensive and just peace in Ukraine, while firmly rejecting any notion of capitulation to aggression. He reiterated that peace must recognize the distinction between the aggressor and the victim in this conflict.

The Russian representative characterized the adopted text as a “common-sense initiative,” reflecting a willingness from the new U.S. administration to engage constructively. He suggested amendments aimed at addressing the “root causes” of the crisis, yet criticized the European amendments as attempts to distort the essence of the American text into an anti-Russian ultimatum.

Ultimately, none of the five proposed amendments received sufficient support to be adopted, whether due to a lack of votes or the Russian Federation’s veto.

Following the adoption of the resolution, the U.S. representative welcomed the Council’s action as a vital first step in three years toward firmly calling for an end to the conflict. She affirmed that the resolution lays the groundwork for a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.

Despite overall support for the resolution, several Council members voiced concerns. The French representative insisted that a genuine peace in Ukraine could not equate to the capitulation of the victim. Echoing this, the UK representative stressed that sustainable peace must involve Ukraine’s consent and lamented that their proposals to clarify these points had not been incorporated.

Slovenia’s representative emphasized that true peace requires justice, while Denmark’s representative voiced disappointment that the resolution fell short of affirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Republic of Korea’s delegate noted the tragic loss of innocent lives and expressed hope that the resolution would prompt efforts toward just and sustainable peace.

Support for the resolution was also echoed by representatives from Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, and Algeria, each highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive peace process and the importance of addressing violations of sovereignty. China’s representative reiterated the belief that the resolution’s ultimate solution lies in negotiations at the peace table.

The Russian representative welcomed the evolution of the U.S. stance on the conflict, acknowledging that today’s text, while not perfect, marks a constructive step toward rebuilding European and international security.

At the meeting’s outset, France proposed postponing the vote, citing concerns that the text had not been subjected to adequate negotiations. While the UK supported this proposal, the U.S. opposed it, leading to its rejection due to insufficient votes.

The adoption of Resolution 2774 (2025) represents a pivotal moment in international efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift toward renewed dialogue and peace-building initiatives.