Tue Feb 25 16:56:15 UTC 2025: ## Lavrov Praises US Abstentions in UN Votes on Ukraine
**Tehran, Iran** – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed appreciation for the United States’ abstention in two recent United Nations votes concerning Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in Tehran today, Lavrov highlighted the US abstentions as a sign of shifting geopolitical dynamics, although he did not elaborate on the specific nature of the shift. The votes, which avoided formal condemnation of Russia’s military campaign, have drawn criticism from several other UN member states. Lavrov’s comments suggest a possible thaw in US-Russia relations on this specific issue, though experts caution against reading too much into a single instance of abstention. The UN remains deeply divided on the conflict in Ukraine, with a clear majority condemning Russia’s actions.
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