US Joins Russia to Vote Against UN Resolution on Ukraine War

For the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, the US voted with the Russians in an attempt to block a draft resolution by Ukraine at the UN that called for a “de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution” of the war against Ukraine.

US Joins Russia to Vote Against UN Resolution on Ukraine War

For the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, the US voted with the Russians in an attempt to block a draft resolution by Ukraine at the UN that called for a “de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution” of the war against Ukraine. The move, under newly elected US President Donald Trump, has strained US-Europe ties and raised doubts about Washington’s shifting stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.

The UN general assembly vote saw the US and Russia opposing a Europe-backed Ukrainian resolution that directly accused Moscow of aggression and demanded an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. The resolution was passed with 93 votes in favour, 18 against, and 65 abstentions. The US later pushed for a vote on its original draft in the UN security council, where resolutions are legally binding. The 15-member council approved it 10-0, but five European nations abstained.

The two resolutions exposed tensions between the US, Ukraine, and European leaders. Trump’s choice to negotiate directly with Moscow, leaving out Ukraine and European allies, has shaken the transatlantic alliance. The shift was further underscored by Trump’s rhetoric. He recently called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator,” falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war, and warned that Zelenskyy “better move fast” to negotiate peace or risk not having a country to lead.

The general assembly has taken on a central role in addressing the war, as the security council remains paralyzed by Russia’s veto power. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the general assembly has passed multiple resolutions condemning Moscow and demanding an immediate troop withdrawal.