US Aligns with Russia at UN on Resolutions Concerning Ukraine

The US has sided with Russia in UN resolutions regarding Ukraine’s invasion on its third anniversary, deviating from traditional stances. The US and Russia opposed a European resolution condemning Moscow’s actions while supporting a US-drafted resolution that lacked criticism of Russia. This marks a significant departure from the US’s previous policies, raising questions about its commitment to supporting Ukraine and its alliances with European nations.

The United States has recently collaborated with Russia at the United Nations concerning resolutions marking the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, indicating a significant pivot in its stance under the Trump administration. The two nations jointly opposed a European-drafted resolution condemning Moscow’s aggression and affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity, although the resolution was ultimately passed by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Subsequently, they supported a US-drafted resolution in the UN Security Council that called for an end to hostilities but did not include any criticism of Russia.

This US-supported resolution, which garnered passage, was met with abstentions from the UK and France, two critical American allies, following their efforts to amend the proposal that were met with a veto. These competing initiatives were introduced while French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with President Donald Trump at the White House, aiming to bridge significant differences regarding the war. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet the American leader, continuing these high-level diplomatic dialogues.

The Trump administration’s approach has disrupted traditional transatlantic relations, raising concerns about America’s long-term commitment to European security. This divide was illustrated during recent UNGA sessions, where US diplomats advocated a limited resolution that merely mourned the loss of life in the ‘Russia-Ukraine conflict,’ contrasting sharply with a more comprehensive European resolution that explicitly blamed Russia for its invasion and supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized, “We need to reconfirm that the aggression should be condemned and discredited, not rewarded.” The European resolution received overwhelming support, passing by a margin of 93 votes. However, the US took the rare step of voting against this resolution alongside Russia, while also abstaining from the revised version that ultimately passed.

At the UN Security Council, the unamended US resolution was adopted by ten votes, with several key allies abstaining. America’s acting envoy, Dorothy Camille Shea, characterized the US resolution as a historical statement aimed at looking toward a resolution of the conflict, focusing on the goal of ending the war. The intractable position of Russia within the Security Council has stymied efforts for stronger resolutions, leaving the UNGA as the primary venue for deliberation, despite its resolutions lacking legally binding authority.

In summary, the US’s recent votes at the UN embody a notable shift in its approach to the conflict in Ukraine, aligning with Russia against European initiatives. The administration’s focus on diplomatic resolutions without condemning Russian aggression raises concerns about the future of transatlantic alliances and America’s commitment to European security. This unprecedented alignment reflects a more complex geopolitical landscape, challenging long-standing diplomatic norms.

Original Source: www.bbc.com