India abstains with US on UNGA Ukraine ceasefire resolution
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United Nations: Marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity and calling for an immediate ceasefire—with India joining the US in abstaining.
The measure passed Tuesday with 107 votes in favor, largely from US allies, revealing divisions among Western nations on ending the war. Twelve countries voted against it, while 51 abstained.
The US abstention stemmed from hopes of an imminent peace deal, arguing that two paragraphs would hinder diplomacy. Those clauses reaffirmed the Assembly's "strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and urged a "comprehensive, just, and lasting peace" aligned with international law and the UN Charter.
Washington's push to delete them failed 11-69, with India among 62 abstentions. In a rare alignment, Russia sided with the US on the amendment, while American allies opposed it.
US Deputy Permanent Representative Tammy Bruce explained that the references "would likely distract from ongoing negotiations" rather than aid a "durable peace." She added, "We believe we are closer to a deal than at any point since this war began," while welcoming the ceasefire call.
Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva agreed, stressing that "a genuine window of opportunity has opened" for diplomacy over "proclamations."
France's Permanent Representative Jerome Bonnafont countered that backing the US edits would violate UN Charter principles.
The resolution acknowledged US and EU efforts to end the conflict but condemned Russia's "full-scale invasion" for its "devastating and long-lasting consequences" on Ukraine, the region, and global stability.
President Donald Trump, who pledged to resolve the war in 24 hours upon taking office, continues pushing talks— including US-sponsored ones in Geneva last week—despite Kyiv rejecting reported US suggestions to cede territory.
Bruce noted that "dedicated negotiators" are addressing ground realities to expedite an agreement.
(Inputs from IANS)