Tue Feb 25 01:18:04 UTC 2025: ## US Splits with Allies, Abstains on UN Resolution Condemning Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
**New York, February 25, 2025** – The United States, under President Donald Trump, dramatically broke with its European allies on the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, refusing to explicitly blame Russia in UN votes on ending the conflict. This unprecedented rift follows Trump’s decision to engage in direct negotiations with Russia, excluding Ukraine and its European supporters.
On Monday, the UN General Assembly voted 93-18 (with 65 abstentions) to approve a Ukrainian-backed resolution condemning Russia’s aggression and demanding a troop withdrawal. However, a subsequent US-drafted resolution, omitting any mention of Russian aggression, was amended by European nations to explicitly state Russia’s responsibility for the invasion. The US abstained on this amended resolution.
A separate vote in the UN Security Council saw the US-drafted resolution pass 10-0, but with five European nations abstaining due to its failure to condemn Russia. Russia used its veto power to prevent any amendments.
The diverging stances reflect escalating tensions between the US and Ukraine. Trump has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and falsely accused Kyiv of initiating the war, prompting a sharp rebuke from Zelenskyy.
The US’s actions mark a significant shift in transatlantic relations. Upcoming meetings between Trump and key European leaders, including French President Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer, highlight the ongoing diplomatic fallout from this unprecedented division over the Ukraine conflict. While the General Assembly resolutions aren’t legally binding, they serve as a key indicator of global opinion, and the diminished support for a strong condemnation of Russia demonstrates a significant change compared to previous votes. The UN Security Council remains paralyzed by Russia’s veto power.
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