During a United Nations session commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States has, in a stunning volte-face, aligned itself with Russia twice at the UN. The US, under President Donald Trump, voted against a resolution introduced by Ukraine that called for “de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution” to the war. Additionally, the US drafted and voted for a separate Security Council resolution that called for an end to the conflict but omitted any criticism of Russia — welcomed by the Kremlin as a “much more balanced” stance. This same three-paragraph resolution, however, failed to pass through the General Assembly until it was amended to include US support for Ukraine, with France proposing three amendments to categorically say that the war is a result of a “full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.” Russia voted “no” and the US had to abstain from its own resolution. It is evident that despite the seismic shifts that have brought the US and Russia closer, Europe remains resolute in its support for Ukraine. It is obvious, too, that arriving at a peace agreement acceptable to all parties will take a lot more time and effort and negotiation than the flick-of-a-pen approach that Trump appears to favour.
The changing dynamics mirrored in the UN vote on Ukraine also reveal shifts in the global attitudes towards the war. Ninety-three countries voted in support, compared to 141 in 2022. In the first emergency session resolution in March 2022 condemning Russia’s invasion, only 35 countries abstained — that number has now nearly doubled to 65. These figures arguably reflect a rising war fatigue. China continues to abstain, maintaining its “no-limits” partnership with Russia while positioning itself as a proponent of peace. Meanwhile, India, with its own continued abstentions, stands vindicated. In the face of Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, Delhi had refrained from a direct condemnation and carefully carved out a space for manoeuvre that factors in its longstanding ties with Moscow. India should continue to protect and enlarge its distinctive space and leverage, sending out a message to friends and adversaries alike that it cannot be arm-twisted into taking a position that does not align with its national interests.
