Fact Check: France Amended US Draft to Include Respect for Territorial Integrity
What We Know
On February 24, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted two resolutions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while rejecting a U.S.-drafted resolution that failed to mention Russia's aggression. In a significant development, France proposed three amendments to the U.S. draft, which were supported by several European countries. These amendments explicitly stated that the conflict resulted from a "full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation" and reaffirmed the commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders (source-1, source-2).
The U.S. abstained from voting on its own resolution after these amendments were made, indicating a shift in the language that highlighted the importance of respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity (source-1). This amendment was crucial as it aligned with the broader European stance that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine's territorial integrity (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that France amended the U.S. draft to include respect for territorial integrity is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Associated Press reported that France's amendments were pivotal in changing the language of the resolution to explicitly recognize the invasion and the need to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity (source-1). Additionally, France's own statement at the U.N. confirmed that the amendments aimed to reflect the reality of the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a resolution that respects international law and the U.N. Charter (source-2).
Further corroboration comes from a report by Yahoo News, which noted that the French successfully amended the U.S. draft to include the requirement for respecting territorial integrity (source-5). This aligns with the broader European consensus that any resolution regarding the conflict must acknowledge Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial rights.
While some sources, such as a report from Daily Kos, also highlight the U.S. coordination with Russia on the draft resolution, the emphasis on France's amendments remains consistent across credible outlets (source-7).
Overall, the evidence indicates that France played a crucial role in amending the U.S. draft to include respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity, marking a significant diplomatic maneuver in the context of the ongoing conflict.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that France amended the U.S. draft to include respect for territorial integrity is accurate. The amendments proposed by France were adopted and emphasized the need to recognize Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. This reflects a significant shift in the diplomatic language surrounding the issue, aligning with the broader European stance on the matter.
Sources
- U.S. votes against a U.N. resolution urging Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine
- Ukraine: France welcomes the adoption of two resolutions at the UNGA
- France: Europe will demand respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity
- Le Monde: US coordinated draft UN resolution with Russia
- US Went Behind Allies Back To Strike Deal With Russia On A Ukraine Invasion Resolution
