The United States broke with its traditional allies on Monday by siding with Russia in two key votes at the United Nations, signaling a dramatic shift in Washington’s approach to the Ukraine war.
During a General Assembly vote, the US joined Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Sudan in opposing a European-backed resolution that reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemned Moscow’s invasion. The resolution passed with 93 votes in favour, 18 against, and 65 abstentions—though with significantly less support than previous similar measures.
Washington had initially proposed its own resolution but withdrew support after European allies insisted on explicitly naming Russia as the aggressor.
Later, the US pushed the original text to a vote in the Security Council, where it passed with 10 votes in favour and five abstentions, including France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia.
Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzya, welcomed the US position, calling it a constructive change. Meanwhile, concerns are growing in Europe over President Donald Trump’s growing rift with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he has criticized as a dictator. Analysts warn that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could broker a deal on Ukraine without European input.
As tensions mount, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to visit the White House this week for crucial discussions on Ukraine’s future.
