US Abstains from UN Resolutions Condemning Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

In a dramatic shift, the US under President Trump abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This follows Trump's decision to open direct negotiations with Russia, excluding Ukraine and its European allies.

The US joined Russia in voting against a European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia's withdrawal. The US then abstained from voting on its own competing resolution after Europeans amended it to explicitly identify Russia as the aggressor.

This move reflects growing tensions between the US and Ukraine. Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and falsely accused Kyiv of starting the war.

The General Assembly voted 93-18 with 65 abstentions to approve the Ukrainian resolution, showing some diminished support for Ukraine compared to previous votes.

The US-drafted resolution, which acknowledged the loss of life but never mentioned Russia's aggression, was amended by France to include references to Russia's invasion and Ukraine's sovereignty. It passed 93-8 with 73 abstentions.

Both resolutions were supported by US allies in Asia, Canada, Mexico, and most European countries, with the exception of Hungary.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized her country's right to self-defense following Russia's invasion, which violates the UN Charter.

US Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea acknowledged that previous UN resolutions condemning Russia have failed to stop the war. She argued that the US resolution, which implores a swift end to the conflict, is a crucial first step towards peace.

The General Assembly has become the most important UN body on Ukraine due to Russia's veto power in the Security Council. It has approved half a dozen resolutions since the start of the war in February 2022.

The Ukrainian resolution adopted on Monday reiterates the need to implement previous resolutions, including the demand for Russia's immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Ukraine. It also reaffirms the assembly's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and calls for a peaceful resolution to the war.