In a surprising move, the United States, under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, voted alongside Russia against a UN General Assembly resolution that condemned Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
This dramatic shift in US foreign policy came on the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and marked a stark departure from Washington’s previous stance, which had consistently supported Ukraine in its battle for sovereignty.
The resolution, which was backed by Ukraine and its European allies, was passed with 93 votes in favor.
It expressed deep concern over the invasion’s devastating impact on Ukraine, Europe, and global stability. The resolution called for an immediate de-escalation, cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The United States, however, introduced a rival resolution, which did not label Russia as the aggressor and made no reference to Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The US draft resolution called for a swift end to the war and emphasized the need for a lasting peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
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It also mourned the loss of life in the ongoing conflict and reiterated the UN’s role in maintaining international peace.
Ambassador Dorothy Shea, the US charge d’affaires at the UN, defended the US position by urging all member states, including Ukraine and Russia, to support a resolution that prioritized ending the war rather than focusing on past actions.
“A simple, historic statement from the General Assembly that looks forward, not backwards,” Shea said in her address. She also called for a strong commitment to working towards a lasting peace.
In a final twist, the United States abstained from voting on its own resolution after amendments were added to strengthen language condemning Russia and affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
