The US Has Voted Against A UN Resolution Condemning Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
The shift comes at a time when Trump is openly accusing Ukraine of starting the war.
On the anniversary marking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s war, marking a surprising turn from its long-standing policy.
On Friday, Feb. 20, the US proposed a draft UN General Assembly resolution that called for “a swift end to the conflict” between Russia and Ukraine, but failed to address Ukraine’s sovereignty and Russia’s role in starting the war.
The UK, France and other members of the European Union then proposed a rival resolution titled, “Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, that demanded Russia to “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces” and reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty.
On Monday Feb. 24, the rival resolution passed with 93 votes in favor, with the US voting against it, alongside 17 other countries, including Russia and North Korea.
EU members also led an effort to amend the US’ draft resolution to condemn Russia and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The amended resolution holds Russia accountable for the invasion of Ukraine, calling the war a “full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation”.
It also included a paragraph that reaffirmed the “commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters”.
However, the US’ original resolution was passed at the Security Council with failed attempts from western European countries to also change it, according to the UN.
“A simple, historic statement from the General Assembly that looks forward not backward. A resolution focused on one simple idea: ending the war,” Shea said.
The shift comes at a time when Trump is openly accusing Ukraine of starting the war.
He also called Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” for not holding elections since 2019 but refused to give Russian president Putin the same label.
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Isha Jain
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Isha Jain
