The United States aligned with Russia in two key votes, signaling a major departure from its previous support for Ukraine, in a dramatic shift at the United Nations on Monday.
These votes, one in the General Assembly and another in the Security Council, marked the clearest break yet between Washington and Kyiv as tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continue to escalate.
The General Assembly vote, centered on a European-backed resolution, reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemned Russia’s invasion. While the resolution secured 93 votes in favour, 18 against, and 65 abstentions, Washington notably sided with Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Sudan in opposition.
The result reflected waning international support compared to past resolutions on the war.
Amid this shifting dynamic, the United States had proposed an alternative resolution but withdrew its backing after European allies altered the wording to explicitly state that Russia had carried out the “full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
This move left Washington unwilling to support its own draft.
Later in the day, the US pushed ahead with its original text at the Security Council, where it passed with 10 votes in favour and five abstentions, France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia. Notably, France and Britain, both of which could have exercised their veto power, chose not to do so.
‘Swift End to the Conflict’ or Strategic Realignment?
Unlike previous UN resolutions that firmly condemned Moscow, the newly adopted Security Council resolution avoided attributing blame and instead called for a “swift end to the conflict.”
Attempts to amend the text, including proposals from both Russia and European nations, failed to gain approval.
Following the vote, Russia’s UN envoy Vassily Nebenzya acknowledged the shifting US stance, stating, “We acknowledge the constructive changes in the United States position when it comes to the Ukrainian conflict.”
The growing distance between Washington and Kyiv has alarmed European allies, many of whom have relied on US security assurances for decades.
Trump’s criticism of Zelensky, whom he has labeled “highly unpopular” and a “dictator,” has further fueled uncertainty.
According to Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group, while European nations may view the General Assembly outcome as a “moral victory,” there is growing concern that Russia and the US could bypass them in future resolutions.
He warned that the Security Council might soon become a platform for endorsing any potential deal between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In light of these developments, the upcoming visits of French President, Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the White House have taken on heightened significance.
Both leaders are expected to discuss the future of US-European cooperation on Ukraine.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated the need for peace that “fully upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity” and aligns with the principles of the UN Charter.
Meanwhile, US envoy Dorothy Shea defended Washington’s actions, saying ahead of the votes, “Neither these amendments, nor the resolution offered by Ukraine will stop the killing. The UN must stop the killing. We urge all Member States to join us in returning the UN to its core mission of international peace and security.”
Following the Security Council’s decision, Shea hailed the outcome as “an historic landmark agreement on Ukraine,” urging other nations to rally behind a “durable peace” that stabilizes Europe and deters further aggression.
