US Sides with Russia Twice at UN, Sparking Concerns Over Shift in Ukraine Policy

The United States aligned with Russia twice on Monday at the United Nations, marking a notable shift in US policy regarding the war in Ukraine.

The two votes—one in the General Assembly and another in the Security Council—highlighted the changing dynamics as US President Donald Trump takes a different stance on the conflict, distancing himself from Ukraine and its allies.

In a morning General Assembly vote, a European-backed resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine secured 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions.

However, the US sided with Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Sudan in voting against the resolution, which criticized Russia and reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The US then introduced a rival resolution, which faced significant pushback, especially from Ukraine’s European allies. The text was amended to highlight Russia’s responsibility for the “full-scale invasion,” but in the end, Washington refrained from supporting its own draft.

Later, the US brought its original text to the Security Council, where it passed with 10 votes in favor and five abstentions, including France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia.

The resolution, which called for a swift end to the conflict, did not assign blame to Russia, causing some unease among European diplomats. Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzya, praised the US for its “constructive changes” regarding Ukraine.

Relations between Washington and Kyiv have soured following Trump’s return to the White House, with the US president openly criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him unpopular and a “dictator.” This shift in US policy is causing concern in Europe, as the region has long relied on US security support.

While the General Assembly vote was seen as a moral victory for Ukraine’s European allies, the evolving US-Russia dynamic at the Security Council has raised fears that the US might collaborate with Russia on resolutions that could undermine Ukraine’s position.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for a peace that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, aligning with Washington’s call for a durable peace to ensure stability in Europe.