New Delhi - In a significant departure from its previous stance, the United States has voted alongside Russia in a United Nations General Assembly resolution concerning the Ukraine war. This marks a major shift in Washington’s foreign policy, as it has historically supported Kyiv and condemned Moscow on similar resolutions.
The 193-member UN General Assembly deliberated on the draft resolution titled "Advancing a Comprehensive, Just, and Lasting Peace in Ukraine," which was introduced by Ukraine and its European allies. The resolution was adopted with:
- 93 votes in favor
- 65 abstentions
- 18 votes against
Russia Gains Support as US Alters Course
The resolution strongly criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling for a de-escalation of conflict, an early cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Among the nations siding with Russia were its long-time allies, including Belarus, North Korea, and Sudan. Notably, India abstained from voting, maintaining its neutral stance and reiterating its call for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The US not only backed Russia in the General Assembly vote but later also supported Moscow in a subsequent UN Security Council vote, signaling a broader policy shift under President Donald Trump’s administration.
US-Ukraine Relations Strain Under Trump’s Leadership
The warming ties between Washington and Moscow come at a time when relations between the US and Ukraine have deteriorated. The shift follows the return of Donald Trump to the White House last month.
Last week, Trump openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to him as a "dictator" and suggesting that he is unpopular. Trump further urged Zelensky to "move fast" to end the war, a statement that came just a day after Russian and US officials held direct talks in Saudi Arabia—without Kyiv’s involvement.
Following the closed-door talks in Riyadh, Trump described the Russia-Ukraine war as a "senseless conflict" and stressed the need for an urgent resolution.
"Russia wants to do something. They want to stop the barbarism happening there. Soldiers are dying by the thousands every week. Apart from Russian and Ukrainian troops, even a significant number of Koreans have lost their lives," Trump said in a statement.
US Military Aid to Ukraine and Rising Casualties
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Washington has provided Kyiv with more than $60 billion in military aid. However, the recent change in US foreign policy raises questions about continued support for Ukraine's defense efforts.
According to official reports:
- 43,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed since the start of the war, as per Ukrainian President Zelensky.
- 198,000 Russian soldiers have reportedly lost their lives in the conflict.
- The UN estimates that around 12,500 civilians in Ukraine have been killed since 2022.
The latest UN vote underscores Washington’s evolving diplomatic approach under President Trump and the potential ramifications for Ukraine, which now faces increasing uncertainty over future US military and diplomatic backing.
As the war enters its fourth year, the global community remains divided over how to achieve a lasting resolution—with the US now aligning itself closer to Russia’s position than ever before.
