The United States aligned with Russia, North Korea, Iran, and 14 other Moscow-friendly nations to vote against a U.N. resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine. The resolution, sponsored by Kyiv's representatives, was overwhelmingly passed in the U.N. General Assembly.
The U.S. delegation abstained from voting on a competing resolution that simply called for an end to the war. This resolution was amended with new anti-Russian language, which was approved by a wide margin in the 193-member body. The amended U.S. resolution also passed.
The votes, taken on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighted the growing divide between the Trump administration and the United States' major allies over support for Ukraine. President Donald Trump's approach to the Kremlin, which appears favorable to Russia, has been a point of contention.
Later, at the U.N. Security Council, the United States reoffered its original resolution. Unlike General Assembly resolutions, Security Council votes hold the force of international law. The Security Council meeting was marked by underlying tensions between Europe and the U.S., although speeches were notably brief and direct.
France and Britain sought to delay the council meeting to consider the proposed U.S. resolution, but this request was denied by U.S. and Russian vetoes. The European amendments were also proposed in the Security Council but were blocked by a Russian veto.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya welcomed the U.S. resolution as a step towards peace. The final vote saw the resolution pass with 10 votes, while European nations abstained. Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron and prepared for meetings with other world leaders, amidst opposition to the phrasing of statements on Ukraine by the Group of Seven (G-7).
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized the importance of addressing Russian aggression, stating it as a "moment of truth" for the democratic world. Despite the U.S. vote against Ukraine's resolution, Ukrainian diplomacy was praised for its ability to defend principles and truth.
Apart from the U.S., nations like Haiti, Belarus, and Iran voted against Ukraine's resolution. A two-thirds majority was achieved with support from European countries, except Hungary, and Australia. Sixty-five countries, including China and Brazil, abstained from voting.
Richard Gowan, a U.N. expert, described the divide between the U.S. and Europe as the most significant since the Iraq War. The outcome of these votes reflects ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the challenges of uniting international efforts against aggression.
