UN calls for end to conflict in Ukraine

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday calling for "a swift end" to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and urging "a lasting peace" as the world observed the third anniversary of the crisis.

The resolution, proposed by the United States, was approved with 10 in favor, none against, and five abstentions from Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. It also mourned the loss of lives in the conflict, without blaming Russia.

"Despite differences in positions, dialogue is always better than confrontation, and peace talks are always preferable to war," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at the Security Council meeting.

"China supports all efforts dedicated to peace, including the consensus reached between the US and Russia on initiating peace talks.

"China expects all parties involved, as well as relevant stakeholders, to engage in the peace process at the appropriate time, seeking a fair and lasting resolution that addresses mutual concerns. The goal should be to reach a binding peace agreement accepted by all parties," he said.

Fu said that since the conflict is taking place on European soil, "Europe has a responsibility to contribute to peace". He called on all parties to "jointly address the root causes of the crisis through negotiations and to establish a balanced, effective and sustainable security framework to ensure long-term stability in Europe".

The ambassador reiterated that China's guidance on the Ukraine issue is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected; the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed; the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard; and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported.

Diplomatic mediation

China has dispatched special envoys to engage in diplomatic mediation, maintaining contact with all relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine, Fu said. It has also partnered with Brazil and other Global South countries to initiate the Friends of Peace group to "build and strengthen momentum for peace".

Earlier on Monday, the UN General Assembly also approved two draft resolutions on Ukraine.

One proposed by Ukraine and co-sponsored by European countries demanded an immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine and condemned Russia's role.

It was passed by 93 countries, while 18 opposed and 65 abstained. Both the US and Russia voted against the resolution.

The US declined to endorse it, and at the last minute introduced its own competing version, urging its allies to support it instead. The US one was approved by 93 countries, opposed by eight, while 73 abstained.