UN adopts resolution calling for peace in Ukraine, US abstains

(Patria) - The UN General Assembly yesterday adopted a resolution calling for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia voted against the resolution, while the US abstained.

The resolution, submitted by Ukraine with more than 45 co-sponsoring countries, was adopted with 107 votes in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions, including Serbia.

Among those who voted in favor were Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X that he is grateful to the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine at the UN and attached an image of the voting table.

"The General Assembly adopted our resolution in support of a lasting peace, with clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people. These are the right and necessary steps, and we will continue to work actively to achieve peace with our partners," Zelensky wrote.

I am grateful to each of the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine today in defense of life at the @UN.

The General Assembly adopted our resolution in support of a lasting peace, with clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people.

These are the right and… pic.twitter.com/s5tmD1Bymm

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2026

The resolution highlighted the regional and global impact of the war and expressed "grave concern" over Russia's continued attacks on "civilians, civilian objects and critical energy infrastructure," which worsen the humanitarian situation.

It reaffirmed the UN General Assembly's strong commitment to "the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity" of Ukraine, including its territorial waters.

It calls for an "immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire" and urges "the completion of the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons and the return of all civilians who were forcibly transferred or deported, including children, as a key confidence-building measure."

The US proposed that some paragraphs be separated from the rest of the resolution for a separate vote. This was strongly opposed by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, who said it was "very concerning and unacceptable."

US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce said the US position is that certain language in the resolution would likely divert attention from ongoing negotiations, "rather than supporting discussion of the full range of diplomatic avenues that can lead to lasting peace."