United States will not participate as a co-sponsor for the United Nations resolution supporting Ukraine

The United States has declined to co-sponsor a proposed U.N. resolution commemorating three years since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, which supports Kyiv’s territorial integrity and denounces Russian aggression, according to three diplomatic sources who spoke to Reuters. This decision may indicate a significant shift in the stance of Ukraine’s most influential Western ally.

This development seems to reflect a growing divide between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump, who is seeking a swift conclusion to the conflict in Ukraine and has engaged in discussions with Russia without involving Kyiv.

This disagreement represents a significant political challenge for Ukraine, which has relied on tens of billions of dollars in U.S. military assistance approved by the previous administration to withstand Russia’s invasion, in addition to receiving diplomatic backing. The draft resolution for the U.N. General Assembly, reviewed by Reuters, condemns Russian aggression and reaffirms the commitment to “the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”

According to one source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic, the United States has historically co-sponsored such resolutions advocating for a just peace in Ukraine. The first diplomatic source informed Reuters that the resolution is backed by over 50 countries, although they did not disclose their identities. A spokesperson for the U.S. diplomatic mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment.

Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine and is gradually expanding its territory in the eastern region. Moscow claims that its “special military operation” is a response to an existential threat posed by Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership, while Ukraine and its Western allies characterize Russia’s actions as an imperialist land grab. The United States has co-sponsored nearly all U.N. resolutions supporting Ukraine against Russia during this major conflict, the largest in Europe since World War II.

The exact deadline for backing the draft resolution remains uncertain, and there is still a possibility that Washington may reconsider its stance. The upcoming U.N. vote is viewed as a significant indicator of international backing for Ukraine, especially in light of the Trump administration’s apparent pivot towards Russia regarding the conflict.

While the vote could proceed without U.S. endorsement, its chances of garnering widespread support in the General Assembly may diminish. A second diplomatic source, who requested to remain unnamed, stated, “Currently, the U.S. is not inclined to endorse it.” The source further noted that efforts are being made to garner support from other nations, particularly from the Global South.