US and Russia Vote Together at UN, Highlighting Shift in US Policy on Ukraine War

In a surprising turn at the United Nations (UN), the United States sided with Russia in two key votes, marking a major shift in its stance on the war in Ukraine under the Trump administration.

The first vote took place at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), where a European-backed resolution condemned Russia’s invasion and reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity. While the resolution passed with 93 votes in favor, the US, Russia, and 16 other countries—including Israel, North Korea, Belarus, and Hungary—voted against it, with 65 nations abstaining.

In the second vote at the UN Security Council (UNSC), the US introduced its own resolution, calling for an end to the war without directly criticizing Russia. This resolution passed with 10 votes in favor, but key US allies like the UK and France abstained after their proposed amendments were vetoed.

The shift in US policy has widened divisions between Washington and its European allies. French President Emmanuel Macron visited President Trump in an effort to address their differences, and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to do the same later this week.

US envoy to the UN, Dorothy Camille Shea, defended the US resolution as a "historic statement" focused on ending the war rather than looking backward. However, critics argue that failing to hold Russia accountable weakens international support for Ukraine.

While the Security Council remains deadlocked due to Russia’s veto power, the General Assembly has been the main platform for debating the conflict. However, unlike Security Council resolutions, UNGA decisions are not legally binding.