According to CNN, the surprise move on February 24 marked a significant change in US foreign policy after many years on the side of Ukraine.
The US vote against the resolution backed by Ukraine and other European countries has put Washington in contrast to its long-standing allies in Europe.
The US then continued to vote with Russia in a resolution proposed by the US itself at the UN Security Council. It is noteworthy that this resolution does not call Russia an aggressor or mention Ukraine's territorial integrity. The document was adopted without the support of five European members of the Security Council.
The sudden change in US stance comes as the Trump administration chases negotiations with Russia to end the Ukrainian conflict.
President Trump has also increased pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while European partners have urgently adjusted their strategies ahead of a policy change from Washington.
Two resolutions
The European-backed resolution received 93 votes in favor. This document expresses concern about the 3-year Russia-Ukraine conflict, causing victimsical and long-term consequences not only for Ukraine but also affecting other regions as well as global stability.
The resolution requires Russia to withdraw all military forces from Ukrainian territory immediately, completely and unconditionally.
Meanwhile, the US issued a contrasting resolution, not blaming Russia and not mentioning Ukraine's territorial sovereignty. The document called for a rapid end to the conflict and to promote a long-term peace between Ukraine and Russia.
At the Security Council, the US resolution was passed with 10 votes in favor, including Russia, and 5 white votes. European countries' efforts to delay the meeting have been unsuccessful. The amendments to clarify Russia's responsibility, which were added to the General Assembly resolution, were not accepted at the Security Council due to Russia's objections.
Reactions of all parties
Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya praised the US's concise resolution, calling it a stepping stone for efforts towards a peaceful solution.
"This document is not ideal, but it is essentially a first effort to build a constructive and future-oriented product of the Security Council, focusing on the path of peace instead of aggravating the conflict," Ambassador Nebenzya said.
US Interim Advocate at the United Nations Dorothy Shea said the resolution marked the first action by the Security Council to resolutely call for an end to the conflict.
"This Resolution puts us on the path of peace. This is a first but very important step, and we should be proud of that. Now, we must use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia and the international community," Shea said after the vote.
However, the US move was met with strong backlash from its European allies.
"There will be no peace and security anywhere if aggression is tolerated," French Ambassador to the United Nations Nicolas de Riviere said.
British Ambassador to the United Nations Barbara Woodward emphasized: "No one wants more peace than Ukraine, but the conditions for peace are the important thing. If we are to find a path to lasting peace, we must be clear about the origin of the war," Woodward stressed.
