**US Asks UN to Vote for Resolution on Russia’s War, Omits “Aggressor” Label**
The US has sent a letter to all UN member states asking them to vote in favor of an American-drafted resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. The resolution does not name Moscow as the aggressor.
According to the text of the letter obtained by Suspilne, Washington calls for a vote against any other options or amendments presented during the 11th emergency special session on February 24, 2025.
This move comes after reports last week that the US refused to co-sponsor a UN resolution reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemning Moscow’s aggression. More than 50 countries, including all EU states and Ukraine, are behind this collective draft.
**Shifting US Views on Russia-Ukraine War**
The US version of the resolution, dubbed “Path to Peace,” does not name Russia as the aggressor but calls for an immediate end to the conflict. This approach is a departure from previous statements by US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who avoided directly naming Russia as the aggressor in interviews last week.
US President Donald Trump has also pushed for mediating a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia while using increasingly hostile rhetoric toward Kyiv. In the past, Trump admitted that Russia launched a full-scale war by attacking Ukraine.
**International Reactions**
The U.K. is imposing its largest-ever package of sanctions against Russia, targeting its “shadow fleet” of tankers and foreign-based companies providing military parts to Russia. Australia has introduced the most extensive package of sanctions since the beginning of the all-out war, while New Zealand imposed restrictions on over 50 individuals and entities.
Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU is set to return to power, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerging as the second-largest party, according to preliminary results of the February 23 parliamentary elections.
Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 185 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 113 drones over 12 oblasts, while 71 decoy drones were lost without causing damage.
**Global Support for Ukraine**
Sweden has announced a transfer of air defense systems worth 1.2 billion Swedish krona (approximately $113 million) to Ukraine. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that “thousands of people are being held in Russia,” and that the new measures target Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, banks, aluminum imports, and other sectors.
The Air Force reported that Ukrainian air defenses shot down 113 drones over 12 oblasts, while 71 decoy drones were lost without causing damage.
