At a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, the United States urged both Ukraine and the Russian dictatorship to take responsibility for ending the war. The comments, made by acting Deputy Permanent Representative of the US to the UN, John Kelly, drew criticism from observers for presenting both sides as equally accountable in a conflict sparked by Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
Kelly claimed that both Kyiv and Moscow could receive “huge benefits” by agreeing to US-backed peace proposals. He emphasised that peace must begin with a full ceasefire, though he acknowledged that Russia has continued to carry out intense and deadly strikes on Ukraine in recent months. These attacks have killed numerous civilians and destroyed critical infrastructure.
He also referenced US President Donald Trump’s call for Russia to halt these strikes and stressed that now is the time to end the war. “Russia has a great opportunity to achieve lasting peace. The responsibility lies with both countries,” Kelly said. “The leaders of both must decide whether peace is possible.”
Kelly’s statement has sparked concern in Ukraine and among its allies, as it gives the impression of shared blame, despite Ukraine defending its territory against a full-scale invasion by the Russian dictatorship. While the US continues to support Ukraine militarily, statements like these risk downplaying the Kremlin’s responsibility for initiating and sustaining the war.
Meanwhile, during the same Security Council session, the Russian Federation’s Permanent Representative, Vasily Nebenzya, attempted to blame Ukraine for civilian casualties, claiming that the Russian armed forces are only targeting military infrastructure. These claims were made despite consistent evidence of widespread Russian attacks on civilian areas, including homes, schools and hospitals.
Calls for peace from the international community continue, but Ukraine maintains that any settlement must include the complete withdrawal of Russian forces and accountability for war crimes. The path to genuine peace, Kyiv insists, cannot be based on false equivalence or empty diplomatic gestures.
