Image: Jason DeCrow/ AP
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump took a new stance on the Ukraine war as Washington voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion. This marks the first time since the war began that the U.S. has refused to support Kyiv within the UN. The resolution, backed by European nations, was adopted with 93 votes in favor, but the U.S. opposition has drawn the most attention, signaling a major shift in Washington’s foreign policy under Trump.
Eighteen countries voted against the resolution, while 65 abstained. During the vote, Washington aligned itself with Moscow and Russia’s allies, including North Korea and Sudan. The newly adopted resolution calls for de-escalation, an immediate end to hostilities, and a peaceful resolution to the war in line with the UN Charter and international law, emphasizing the humanitarian suffering caused by the conflict.
While the resolution is seen as a symbolic victory for Ukraine, it also reflects declining support for Kyiv. Compared to previous resolutions, this one received significantly fewer votes. India was among the 65 countries that abstained from voting.
Meanwhile, the U.S. drafted a rival resolution, which Russia’s ambassador to the UN called “a step in the right direction.” However, Washington’s allies, including France and the UK, pushed for amendments, particularly to reaffirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity—an aspect removed from the original U.S. text. These modifications led Washington to abstain from voting on its own proposal, which was ultimately passed by the General Assembly.
