Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky
-
Yes, Ukraine too could have - and probably ought to have - abstained in those resolutions. Nevertheless it chose instead to vote with EU membership. To my thinking a considerable difference as regards to choice of voting blocs.
But that’s fine, the UNGA, I am told, is a farce controlled by nations like Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and a host of other dictatorships and “shitty countries” anyways. Really no place for civilized countries to have a membership as its authority is really of no consequence. A bit like this forum.
-
The actual arguments…
Ambassador Dorothy Shea
Chargé d ’Affaires ad interim
New York, New York
February 24, 2025AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, excellencies, colleagues. Today marks three years since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war. We have all been concerned about the suffering in Ukraine and the war’s effects on the rest of the world.
Since the start of the war 11 years ago, the United Nations has repeatedly condemned Russia’s blatant violations of the UN Charter. Multiple resolutions of the General Assembly have demanded that Russia withdraw its forces from Ukraine.
Those resolutions have failed to stop the war. It has now dragged on for far too long, and at far too terrible a cost to the people in Ukraine, in Russia, and beyond.
Generations of Ukrainians and Russians have died unnecessarily as the war has brought the world closer to a nuclear confrontation. The longer it continues, the greater the suffering for both nations. This war must end now.
It is time for Members States to return to the purposes and principles of the Charter – mainly, to maintain international peace and security, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Mr. President, as we gather today on this third anniversary, what we need is a resolution marking the commitment from all UN Member States to bring a durable end to the war.
The draft resolution submitted by the United States makes this very point. Our draft implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
This is what is needed now, and we urge all Member States, including Ukraine and Russia, to join us in this effort. A simple, historic statement from the General Assembly that looks forward, not backwards. A resolution focused on one, simple idea: Ending the war. A path to peace is possible.
Mr. President, that is why the United States opposed putting forward another resolution. And that is why we cannot support Ukraine’s resolution, and we urge its withdrawal in favor of a strong statement committing us to end the war and work towards a lasting peace.
The United States also requests the General Assembly take action on the United States’ proposed resolution immediately following consideration of the Ukraine-drafted resolution.
I thank you.
ADDITIONAL REMARKS
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, the United States urges Member States to vote “No” on the European Union and Russian Federation amendments to the U.S. draft resolution. We cannot support them.
These amendments pursue a war of words rather than an end to the war. The attempt to add this language detracts from what we are trying to achieve with this forward-looking resolution: A firm consensus from the members of this body to unite behind a resolution calling for the end to this conflict.
We urge other members to join us in rejecting these amendments as we work toward the goal of building a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
I would ask all members to remember that the U.S. resolution is not the peace deal. It is the path to peace.
Mr. President, if these amendments pass, the United States would consider that the resolution will no longer be able to achieve the consensus of this body on the most solemn pursuit, the pursuit of peace.
Neither these amendments, nor the resolution offered by Ukraine will stop the killing. The UN must stop the killing. We urge all Member States to join us in returning the UN to its core mission of international peace and security.
Thank you, Mr. President.
-
The actual arguments…
Ambassador Dorothy Shea
Chargé d ’Affaires ad interim
New York, New York
February 24, 2025AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, excellencies, colleagues. Today marks three years since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war. We have all been concerned about the suffering in Ukraine and the war’s effects on the rest of the world.
Since the start of the war 11 years ago, the United Nations has repeatedly condemned Russia’s blatant violations of the UN Charter. Multiple resolutions of the General Assembly have demanded that Russia withdraw its forces from Ukraine.
Those resolutions have failed to stop the war. It has now dragged on for far too long, and at far too terrible a cost to the people in Ukraine, in Russia, and beyond.
Generations of Ukrainians and Russians have died unnecessarily as the war has brought the world closer to a nuclear confrontation. The longer it continues, the greater the suffering for both nations. This war must end now.
It is time for Members States to return to the purposes and principles of the Charter – mainly, to maintain international peace and security, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Mr. President, as we gather today on this third anniversary, what we need is a resolution marking the commitment from all UN Member States to bring a durable end to the war.
The draft resolution submitted by the United States makes this very point. Our draft implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
This is what is needed now, and we urge all Member States, including Ukraine and Russia, to join us in this effort. A simple, historic statement from the General Assembly that looks forward, not backwards. A resolution focused on one, simple idea: Ending the war. A path to peace is possible.
Mr. President, that is why the United States opposed putting forward another resolution. And that is why we cannot support Ukraine’s resolution, and we urge its withdrawal in favor of a strong statement committing us to end the war and work towards a lasting peace.
The United States also requests the General Assembly take action on the United States’ proposed resolution immediately following consideration of the Ukraine-drafted resolution.
I thank you.
ADDITIONAL REMARKS
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, the United States urges Member States to vote “No” on the European Union and Russian Federation amendments to the U.S. draft resolution. We cannot support them.
These amendments pursue a war of words rather than an end to the war. The attempt to add this language detracts from what we are trying to achieve with this forward-looking resolution: A firm consensus from the members of this body to unite behind a resolution calling for the end to this conflict.
We urge other members to join us in rejecting these amendments as we work toward the goal of building a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
I would ask all members to remember that the U.S. resolution is not the peace deal. It is the path to peace.
Mr. President, if these amendments pass, the United States would consider that the resolution will no longer be able to achieve the consensus of this body on the most solemn pursuit, the pursuit of peace.
Neither these amendments, nor the resolution offered by Ukraine will stop the killing. The UN must stop the killing. We urge all Member States to join us in returning the UN to its core mission of international peace and security.
Thank you, Mr. President.
@LuFins-Dad said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
These amendments pursue a war of words rather than an end to the war. The attempt to add this language detracts from what we are trying to achieve with this forward-looking resolution: A firm consensus from the members of this body to unite behind a resolution calling for the end to this conflict.
Looks familiar, and reasonable.
-
So what was the point of the amendment to the resolution? It just turned the damn thing into the same toothless resolution that has been voted on and approved multiple times before. The definition of insanity and all that…
It really feels like the whole thing was put out there to try and push Putin away from the table.
-
What's the point of any UN resolution? It's a roll call for the words countries want to be seen using. You may as well take seriously CEOs of major corporations and what they say about their commitment to DEI.
@Horace in this case, the only possible result is to either push Putin away from the table or make Trump and the US appear to embarrass themselves.
Yawn.
-
@jon-nyc so does the US UN Ambassador have a point or not?
-
Like I already wrote, an abstention would have more than adequately achieved the desired result without the repugnant optics of openly siding with the Kremlin and its vassal states.
-
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
Only non-witches get due process.
- Cotton Mather, Salem Massachusetts, 1692
-
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
@jon-nyc said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
You just don't understand, this is a cunning plan.
I was only joking
-
@jon-nyc said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
You just don't understand, this is a cunning plan.
@Doctor-Phibes said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
@jon-nyc said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
You just don't understand, this is a cunning plan.
Say what you will about Don Jr’s plan to send Russia weapons, Biden and Harris didn’t even have a plan to send Russia weapons.
-
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
@jon-nyc said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
Too bad it’s fake.
The Brad
-
I will refrain from any comment that could be construed as offensive and insulting until I receive more detailed information on this latest revelation from the most esteemed Trumpigula family.
@Renauda said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
I will refrain from any comment that could be construed as offensive and insulting until I receive more detailed information on this latest revelation from the most esteemed Trumpigula family.
Smart choice.
-
@jon-nyc said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
Too bad it’s fake.
@LuFins-Dad said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
@jon-nyc said in Gifts for Putin, Demands for Zelensky:
Donald Trump Jr.:
“I honestly can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would be picking Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the other option, the US should have been sending weapons to Russia.”
Too bad it’s fake.
From where I stand that’s actually a good thing. The positions they’ve taken so far are humiliating enough.
-
What the problem with Snyder’s statement? He’s right, if the Russians soldiers leave and go home the fighting stops. Has been that way since 2014. Ukraine has no desire to attack Russia. Never has had any such desire.
Horace, believe it or not but contrary to what your American Moses maintains, it was Russia that invaded Ukraine not the other way round. Moreover, Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and NATO were not the casus belli. The cause was exclusive to the mind of one person, Vladimir Putin. It is that simple.
-
I assume everybody on this forum agrees that Russia is the imperialistic bad guy. My issue with Snyder's statement is that it is meaningless for the purposes of informing a strategy to end the war, or, to use his framing, to get Russia to withdraw its troops. His statement is a tautology, masquerading as an insight. If it existed alongside a plan to get Russia to withdraw its troops, then it would be fine, but it doesn't. But maybe Snyder has written about a plan somewhere, and I've missed it.
