UN resolution calls for swift end to Russia-Ukraine conflict

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday calling for "a swift end to the conflict" between Russia and Ukraine and urging "a lasting peace "as the world observed the third anniversary of the crisis.

The resolution, proposed by the United States, was approved with 10 votes in favor, none against, and five abstentions from Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. The resolution also mourned the loss of lives in the conflict, without blaming Russia.

"Despite differences in positions, dialogue is still better than confrontation, and peace talks are preferable to fights," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at the Security Council meeting.

"China supports all efforts dedicated to peace, including the consensus reached between the US and Russia on initiating peace talks.

"China expects all parties and stakeholders to engage in the peace talks at an appropriate time, seeking a fair and lasting resolution that addresses mutual concerns. The goal should be to reach a binding peace agreement accepted by all parties concerned," he said.

Fu said that since the conflict is taking place on European soil, Europe has a responsibility to contribute to peace. He called on all parties to "jointly address the root causes of the crisis and to establish a balanced, effective and sustainable security framework to ensure long-term security and stability in Europe".

The ambassador reiterated that China's position on the Ukraine issue is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected; the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed; the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard; and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported.

China has dispatched special envoys to mediate and maintain contact with all relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine, Fu said. It has also partnered with Brazil and other Global South countries to initiate the Group of Friends for Peace to "build and strengthen momentum for peace".

Earlier on Monday, the UN General Assembly also approved two draft resolutions on Ukraine.

One proposed by Ukraine and co-sponsored by European countries demanded an immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine and condemned Russia's role.

It was passed by 93 countries, while 18 opposed and 65 abstained. Both the US and Russia voted against the resolution.

The US declined to endorse Ukraine's resolution, and at the last minute, introduced its own competing version, urging its allies to support it instead. The US one was approved by 93 countries, opposed by eight, while 73 abstained. The dueling resolutions reflect the tensions that have emerged between the US and Ukraine.

The voting took place in the 193-member General Assembly, where resolutions are not legally binding but serve as a gauge of global opinion. Seeking stronger backing, the US pushed for a vote on its proposal in the more influential UN Security Council, where adopted resolutions are binding. China, which holds the council's presidency this month, presided over the voting.

"We expect the international community to foster a favorable environment for the political resolution of the crisis and the United Nations and the Security Council to play a constructive role in building a consensus for peace among its member states," Fu told the Security Council meeting.

US deputy ambassador Dorothy Shea, meanwhile, said multiple previous UN resolutions condemning Russia and demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops "have failed to stop the war", which "has now dragged on for far too long and at far too terrible a cost to the people in Ukraine and Russia and beyond".

Xinhua contributed to the story.

minluzhang@chinadailyusa.com