The US has sided with Russia at the UN on two occasions regarding Ukraine, highlighting a shift in its foreign policy under the Trump administration. The US opposed a European resolution condemning Russia and supported a US-drafted resolution that lacked criticism of Moscow. This has caused concern among key allies about America’s commitment to European security amid the ongoing conflict.
In a surprising shift, the United States has recently aligned itself with Russia during votes at the United Nations, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US, under the Trump administration, opposed a European-led resolution that condemned Russian actions and supported Ukrainian territorial integrity, which ultimately passed the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Furthermore, the US backed a resolution drafted by itself at the UN Security Council, calling for an end to hostilities without criticizing Russia directly.
As the resolutions emerged, noteworthy abstentions were recorded; the UK and France refrained from voting after their proposed amendments were blocked. This political maneuvering came during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to President Trump, indicating the ongoing tension regarding the approach to the war. The situation highlights a fundamental shift in US foreign policy, raising concerns among European allies about America’s commitment to regional security.
At the UNGA, the US offered a resolution focusing on mourning the ongoing conflict’s loss of life while calling for its conclusion. In contrast, the European group submitted a more robust document, directly accusing Russia of aggression and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized the need for condemnation of aggression, reinforcing the principle that such actions must not be rewarded.
The European resolution garnered significant support, passing with 93 votes despite the US’s surprising opposition, aligning it alongside Russia and other states that voted against it. The US resolution did pass after supporting language for Ukraine was added, leading to an abstention by the US. In the Security Council, despite its unyielding stance, the US resolution was approved by 10 votes, with numerous abstentions from key European states.
America’s acting envoy to the UN, Dorothy Camille Shea, framed the US resolution as a forward-looking statement, emphasizing a desire to end the conflict rather than rekindle discussions of past aggression. Such dynamics illustrate a profound discord between the US and its traditional European allies, particularly as Russia continues to exercise its veto power within the Security Council, complicating diplomatic efforts. Ultimately, the UNGA has taken on the role of the primary forum for addressing the crisis, although its resolutions lack the legally binding authority of Security Council decisions.
The recent actions by the United States at the United Nations reveal a significant departure from its traditional foreign policy stance concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By aligning with Russia against key European allies, the US has created uncertainty surrounding its commitment to European security. The implications of this realignment will likely continue to resonate within international diplomacy and transatlantic relations as the global community confronts the challenges posed by the war.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
