With growing tensions at the UN, the U.S. rejects a resolution naming Russia as the aggressor in Ukraine. Trump’s stance on the war sparks debate—will this reshape America’s foreign policy?
BY PC bureau
The United States voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia as the aggressor in Ukraine’s war, marking three years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion. The resolution passed Monday with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions.
Among the 17 countries joining the U.S. in opposition were Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Israel, and Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is a close Trump ally. China abstained, along with 64 other nations. Ukraine’s European allies unanimously supported the measure.
BREAKING: US voted against Ukraine’s UN resolution which branded Russia the “aggressor” and demanded withdrawal of its troops from borders.
US on list of 18 nations also including Russia, Iran and North Korea to vote against. China abstained.
US is now a pariah state – @POTUS pic.twitter.com/7mURFZucOc
— Phil Jones (@Phil_Jones01) February 24, 2025
Though non-binding, the resolution signals waning U.S. political support for Ukraine under the Trump administration in favor of improved relations with Russia. When asked about the vote, President Trump declined to explain, calling it “self-evident.” In recent days, he has blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war, calling him a “dictator without elections.” His administration has also refrained from directly criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, causing tensions with traditionally hawkish Republicans.
ALSO READ: Inside Insein: Journalist Faces Hidden Horrors of Myanmar’s Most Infamous Prison
The resolution, titled Advancing a Comprehensive, Just, and Lasting Peace in Ukraine, calls for de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution to the war. The U.S. proposed an alternative resolution that omitted references to Russian aggression but ultimately abstained from voting on its own measure after amendments were introduced. That resolution passed with 93 in favor, eight against, and 73 abstentions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. resolution aligns with Trump’s belief that the UN should prioritize its founding purpose: maintaining international peace and security through diplomatic means. Ambassador Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. representative to the UN, criticized Ukraine’s resolution for failing to stop the war, arguing that the U.S. proposal better focused on ending the conflict.
Meanwhile, the confirmation of Trump’s nominee for UN ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), remains stalled due to Senate Democrats’ opposition to his administration’s broader restructuring efforts, including the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
