U.S. and Russia Align in UN Votes on Ukraine, Reflecting Deepening Global Divide
In a surprising turn of events, the United States has sided with Russia in votes on two United Nations resolutions concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On Monday, both countries opposed a European-backed resolution at the UN General Assembly that condemned Moscow’s invasion, signaling a shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
The first vote, held at the UN General Assembly, saw 93 member states approve a resolution expressing “concern over the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation,” condemning the invasion’s devastating impact on Ukraine, regional stability, and global security. It called for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation, and Russia’s “complete and unconditional withdrawal” from Ukrainian territory.
The United States, along with 17 other countries including Russia, Israel, North Korea, Belarus, and Hungary, voted against the resolution.
The United States’ decision to oppose the motion rather than abstain has further deepened divisions within the international community, especially as the vote coincided with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The move marks a significant shift in Washington’s stance on the war, with the Trump administration increasingly sidelining Ukraine and Europe in favor of exploring peace negotiations with Moscow.
In a parallel vote at the UN Security Council (UNSC), both the United States and Russia approved a US-backed resolution that called for a swift end to the conflict but notably avoided labeling Russia as the aggressor or acknowledging Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The resolution, which passed without any amendments after Russia’s vetoes, was supported by 10 members of the 15-member UNSC. Key European powers, including the UK and France, as well as non-permanent members like Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia, abstained from this vote.
Ukrainian officials expressed strong disapproval of the US-backed resolution. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa called the resolution an attempt to “reward” Russia’s aggression rather than condemn it, emphasizing that the international community should hold Russia accountable for its actions.
Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, however, lauded the US resolution as a “constructive step” toward peace. He described the resolution as a “future-oriented product” that prioritized dialogue over escalation, while US Charge d’Affaires Dorothy Shea hailed the adoption of the resolution as “a crucial first step” toward ending the conflict.
These developments underscore the widening rift between the West and other global powers, as the United States appears to shift its focus from supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity to prioritizing diplomatic talks with Russia.
The contrasting votes and proposals at the UN further illustrate the fractured state of international alliances as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year.
