Countries assure Ukraine, "You are not alone," as the UN takes a neutral stance on the war

Nations Rally Behind Ukraine as UN Takes Neutral Stance on War

Dozens of countries voiced strong support for Ukraine during a United Nations meeting in Geneva on Tuesday, following the UN Security Council’s adoption of a US-drafted resolution that maintains a neutral stance on the conflict.

The gathering, organized to mark Ukraine’s "resistance to Russian aggression," came a day after the resolution was passed in New York on the war’s third anniversary. The resolution reflects shifts in US policy under former President Donald Trump, who has taken a more conciliatory approach toward Russia.

"You are not alone. Norway and other countries here today, as well as many others, will continue to support you in defending your territorial integrity, sovereignty, and human dignity," said Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to a room filled with ministers and diplomats.

Since Russia's 2022 invasion, thousands of Ukrainians have lost their lives, and over six million have fled the country as refugees. Moscow insists it was compelled to launch its so-called "special military operation" due to NATO’s expansion toward its borders.

Minna-Liina Lind, Estonia's Undersecretary for Global Affairs, expressed deep concern over the Security Council’s resolution, which omitted long-standing language affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity.

"But I believe Europe's resolve is even stronger. When one weakens, others step up," she told Reuters after the meeting, which was co-hosted by Ukraine and Liechtenstein alongside the UN Human Rights Council.

The United States was unable to persuade the UN General Assembly to approve the same resolution passed by the Security Council on Monday. Instead, the General Assembly adopted motions seen as more favorable to Ukraine, marking a diplomatic setback for Washington.

Most countries at the Geneva event were European, including France and Germany, but nations such as Turkey, South Korea, Australia, and Japan were also present. The US sent a representative, though they did not address the assembly.

Ukraine's ambassador, Yevheniia Filipenko, grew emotional while speaking and urged nations to continue supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and ensuring accountability for crimes committed since the invasion.

"The road ahead is challenging, but when we stand united, we can prevail," she said.