The United Nations Security Council on Monday adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a move that underscores shifting U.S. policy and a tentative step toward brokering peace in the conflict. The resolution, which takes a neutral stance on the war, reflects a marked change in U.S. diplomacy under President Donald Trump, who has pursued a more conciliatory approach toward Russia. This stands in contrast to previous U.S. efforts led by former President Joe Biden’s administration, which had focused on rallying international support for Ukraine.

For months, the 15-member Security Council had been mired in deadlock, largely due to Russia’s veto power, which prevented any substantive action on the conflict. The new resolution, though brief in its three-paragraph format, calls on all parties to work toward a swift cessation of hostilities and a just, lasting peace. It mourns the loss of life in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict” and reiterates the United Nations’ core mandate to maintain international peace and security by resolving disputes peacefully.

During the session, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged what he described as “constructive changes” in the U.S. position on the conflict. While Nebenzia admitted that the resolution was “not an ideal one,” he characterized it as a starting point for future efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement. His comments highlighted the ongoing tensions within the Security Council, even as members sought to take incremental steps toward resolving the crisis.

In a related development, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly has repeatedly supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through the adoption of two separate resolutions on the conflict. However, earlier on Monday, U.S. efforts to secure a similar resolution from the General Assembly fell short. While Security Council resolutions are legally binding, those passed by the General Assembly are non-binding but still carry significant political weight as they reflect the broader global sentiment on the issue.

This dual-track approach binding resolutions from the Security Council coupled with politically charged statements from the General Assembly underscores the complexity of international responses to the war in Ukraine. With the recent adoption of the U.S.-drafted resolution, the international community may be poised to take further steps toward addressing one of the most protracted and volatile conflicts of our time.