The United States aligned with Russia in two separate United Nations votes marking the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, further straining its relationship with European allies and raising concerns over its commitment to transatlantic security.
U.S. Opposition to European-Backed Resolution
The first instance occurred at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where a European-drafted resolution condemning Russia’s aggression and reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity was put to a vote.
While the measure passed with 93 votes in favor, the U.S. joined Russia and 16 other countries in voting against it, with 65 nations abstaining.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized the need for global unity against Moscow’s military actions. “We must reconfirm that aggression should be condemned and discredited, not rewarded,” she stated.
Controversial Security Council Resolution
The second vote took place at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where the U.S. drafted its own resolution calling for an end to the war—but without directly criticizing Russia.
The resolution, which avoided mentioning Moscow’s invasion, passed with 10 votes in favor, but key U.S. allies, including the U.K. and France, abstained after their attempts to amend the language were blocked.
Britain, France, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia chose not to support the measure, highlighting growing unease over Washington’s shifting stance on the conflict.
Growing Divide Between U.S. and Europe
The votes come amid mounting tensions between the Trump administration and European allies, as President Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine diverges sharply from previous U.S. policy.
Trump’s warming ties with Moscow have sparked concerns across Europe, with French President Emmanuel Macron visiting Washington to address the widening rift, while British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet Trump later this week.
U.S. Defends Its Stance
Following the Security Council vote, acting U.S. envoy to the U.N., Dorothy Camille Shea, defended the resolution as a “historic statement that looks forward, not backward.” She emphasized that the primary goal was to end the war, rather than dwell on its origins.
However, European diplomats expressed unease over Washington’s decision to break ranks. “Rarely has the U.S. been so at odds with its closest allies,” a senior European official remarked.
