US-Ukraine rift breaks out at United Nations on 3rd anniversary of the war

The U.S. draft resolution, put forward on Friday, pits the U.S. against Ukraine and its European allies, who pitched a lengthier resolution that lays blame on Russia for the invasion and demands Moscow remove its troops from Ukrainian territory. 

While the U.S. resolution mourns "the tragic loss of life" throughout the conflict, it reasserts that the U.N.'s purpose is to "maintain international peace and peacefully settle disputes." It also "implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine." 

"If the United Nations is truly committed to its original purpose, we must acknowledge that while challenges may arise, the goal of lasting peace remains achievable. Through support of this resolution, we affirm that this conflict is awful, that the U.N. can help end it, and that peace is possible."

The U.S. is pushing allies to get on board by telling them the U.S. is committed to ending the war, but Ukraine's resolution is an impediment to lasting peace, according to a European diplomat. 

The U.S. called on Ukraine to withdraw its resolution, but it refused, according to The Associated Press. On Monday, the U.S.-backed resolution received 93 votes in favor, 73 abstentions and eight no votes, while Ukraine's resolution also received support from 93 member countries, while 18 countries, including the U.S. and Russia, voted against it and 65 abstained.

"We strongly believe that this is the moment to commit to ending the war," Rubio added in his Friday statement. "This is our opportunity to build real momentum toward peace. We urge all U.N. member states to join the United States in this solemn pursuit."

During a discussion with reporters in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy said he is prepared to "give up" his presidency in exchange for either peace in Ukraine or an invitation for it to formally become a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).   

"If to achieve peace you really need me to give up my post - I'm ready," Zelenskyy said during the press conference. "I can trade it for NATO membership, if there are such conditions," he added.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during talks last week with the U.S. that Russia was unwilling to negotiate any path forward that includes bringing Ukraine into NATO.