New York, February 25, 2025 – In a stark shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump’s administration has distanced itself from European allies by refusing to blame Russia for its invasion of Ukraine during key United Nations votes. The move has heightened tensions within the transatlantic alliance and raised concerns over Washington’s stance on the ongoing three-year war.
During Monday’s UN General Assembly session, the United States voted alongside Russia against a European-backed Ukrainian resolution that explicitly condemned Moscow’s aggression and called for an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. The resolution passed with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions.
The U.S. had also drafted its own competing resolution, which avoided direct mention of Russia as the aggressor. However, European nations, led by France, successfully amended the language to highlight Moscow’s role in the conflict. In response, the U.S. abstained from voting on its own proposal, marking a significant setback for the Trump administration at the global forum.
Strained Relations with European Allies
Trump’s decision to soften the U.S. stance on Russia has unsettled European leaders, particularly as they were excluded from preliminary negotiations between Washington and Moscow. France, Germany, and Britain have remained firm in their support for Ukraine, arguing that any resolution must acknowledge Russia’s violation of international law.
The divide was further underscored when the U.S. pushed for a vote on its original resolution in the UN Security Council. The measure failed to gain traction, with 10 votes in favor and five European abstentions, highlighting the growing rift between the U.S. and its closest allies.
Ukraine Pushes Back Against U.S. Approach
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa criticized the shift in U.S. policy, reaffirming her country’s right to self-defense and urging nations to stand against Russian aggression. “As we mark three years of this devastation, we call on all nations to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and support a just and lasting peace,” she said.
In contrast, Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Ukraine, referring to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and falsely claiming that Kyiv provoked the war. He has also warned Zelenskyy to negotiate a settlement quickly, suggesting that Ukraine risks losing its sovereignty if it does not comply.
The UN’s Role in the Conflict
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the UN General Assembly has passed multiple resolutions condemning the aggression and calling for Russia’s immediate withdrawal. However, the Security Council, where Russia holds veto power, has remained largely ineffective in enforcing any measures.
The latest developments indicate a broader shift in Washington’s foreign policy under Trump, signaling a potential realignment in U.S.-Russia relations at the expense of traditional European alliances. With key diplomatic meetings ahead—including Trump’s discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer—the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of U.S. engagement in the Ukraine crisis.
