The Kremlin praised Washington for taking a more balanced stance on Ukraine following a UN Security Council resolution that omitted criticism of Russia. Moscow viewed this shift as a sign of US willingness to pursue peace, while European countries abstained from the vote, revealing a deepening divide with Washington.
A Significant Shift in US Policy
The Trump administration introduced a neutral resolution on the war’s third anniversary, calling for a swift end to the conflict and lasting peace. This marked a sharp departure from the Biden administration’s stance, which had strongly supported Kyiv.
The resolution, passed late Monday, received Russia’s backing, but European allies, including France, the UK, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia, chose to abstain. Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, welcomed what he called “constructive changes” in US policy.
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European Allies Express Discontent
Britain’s UN ambassador, Barbara Woodward, expressed concerns over the resolution’s wording. She argued that the resolution failed to differentiate between Russia’s role as the aggressor and Ukraine as the victim. The UK had proposed amendments to clarify this, but they were rejected.
“We support peace, but there should be no false equivalence between Russia and Ukraine,” Woodward stated. Due to this omission, the UK and other European nations refused to endorse the resolution.
Contrasting Votes at the UN
This was the first Security Council resolution on the war to pass since the invasion, as Russia’s veto had blocked previous attempts. However, the General Assembly vote told a different story.
While the Security Council’s resolution avoided blaming Russia, the General Assembly overwhelmingly condemned Moscow’s actions. A Ukraine-EU-led resolution labeling Russia as the aggressor received 93 votes in favor, though Russia, the US, Israel, Belarus, and North Korea voted against it.
Although General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they carry significant diplomatic weight. The vote exposed growing divisions between the US and its European allies over Ukraine.
Growing US-Russia Engagement
The shift in US policy towards Russia follows Donald Trump’s renewed diplomatic efforts. He has prioritized direct talks with Putin, sidelining Ukraine in negotiations. Reports suggest that the US is pushing Kyiv into an economic deal involving critical minerals and rare-earth resources to compensate for US war aid.
Trump also met French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss peace efforts and NATO’s future. Meanwhile, Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, called for greater European independence from US influence, signaling further tension between Washington and its allies.
Trump confirmed ongoing negotiations with Putin, emphasizing plans for economic cooperation between Russia and the US. “I am in serious discussions with President Putin regarding the war’s resolution and major economic deals,” he stated.
With Washington’s position evolving, the global response to the war is shifting, reshaping alliances and diplomatic strategies.
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