In a dramatic shift, the US sided with Russia twice at the United Nations on Monday 24th February, refusing to back resolutions condemning Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The General Assembly vote saw the US join Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Sudan in opposing a European-backed resolution reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Later, at the Security Council, the US pushed its own text calling for a “swift end to the conflict” without directly blaming Russia—garnering 10 votes in favor and five abstentions from France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia.
This marks a clear break from Washington’s previous unwavering support for Ukraine. President Donald Trump’s return to office has led to worsening US-Ukraine relations, with Trump calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “highly unpopular” and a “dictator.” European leaders are now concerned that Washington and Moscow may negotiate a settlement on Ukraine without their input.
