“France did not vote in favor of the U.S.-proposed draft resolution. In fact, while we are fully committed to peace in Ukraine, we call for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, certainly not one that forces the victim to surrender,” said French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière.

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, detailed the ongoing humanitarian crisis three years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has confirmed that at least 12,654 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since February 24, 2022, including 673 children. Another 29,392 people have been injured, including 1,865 children,” DiCarlo said. “The actual numbers are likely much higher.” She also noted that civilian casualties in 2024 have increased by 30% compared to the previous year, and the war has forced over 10 million Ukrainians to flee their homes. “This war has caused the largest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II. Over 10 million Ukrainians remain displaced—3.6 million internally and 6.9 million seeking refuge abroad,” DiCarlo added.

U.S. Acting Deputy Representative Dorothy Shea defended the resolution, reiterating Washington’s position that ending the war remains a priority. Shea told the Security Council: “As President Trump has made clear, the United States is committed to ending this war. He has stated unequivocally that we must achieve lasting peace.” “We are under no illusions. We recognize that reaching an agreement will be challenging, but now is the time for Russia and Ukraine to make tough choices and end the fighting.”

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, said, “The Western European supporters of the Ukrainian regime continue to shield him and continue to place all the blame for the Ukrainian crisis on Russia.” Nebenzya added, “The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for them.”

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski quoted former Polish Foreign Minister and Auschwitz and Stalinist prison survivor Professor Władysław Bartoszewski: “When in doubt about what to do, behave decently.” Sikorski concluded his remarks by saying, “Glory to Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariia Betsa criticized the resolution for failing to explicitly classify Russia’s actions as aggression. She stated, “First of all, I want to express deep gratitude to all UN member states that supported the relevant resolution in the General Assembly a few hours ago.” However, she added, “We cannot say the same about the Security Council resolution.” Betsa also rejected negotiations that exclude Ukraine. She said, “Right now, Russia is pushing a completely unethical principle—negotiating about Ukraine without Ukraine. Let me make it clear on behalf of Ukraine: There is no Ukraine without Ukraine, no Europe without Europe.”

Earlier today, on the exact third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations General Assembly adopted two competing resolutions on resolving the conflict—one initiated by the United States and the other by Ukraine—highlighting strategic divisions within the transatlantic alliance on the path to peace.

Following the General Assembly vote but before the Security Council vote, Betsa briefed reporters, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to justice. She said, “We have just passed our resolution, which is based on the United Nations Charter and contains very important provisions: condemning Russia’s aggression, ensuring accountability for Russia’s crimes, and upholding the principle of territorial integrity. This is Ukraine’s path to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”