US, Russia reject UN resolution on Ukraine; India, China abstain

For the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine, the US voted alongside Russia to block Ukraine’s draft resolution at the UN. The resolution called for de-escalation, an early end to hostilities, and a peaceful resolution to the war.

The UN General Assembly passed the resolution with strong support from Europe and the G7, excluding the US. A total of 93 nations, including Germany, the UK, France, and the G7 (minus the US), backed it. Eighteen countries, including Russia, the US, Israel, and Hungary, opposed it. Sixty-five nations, including India, China, and Brazil, abstained. This vote marked a decline in support compared to previous resolutions, where over 140 nations condemned Russia’s aggression.

The US shift signals a break from its previous alignment with Europe on Ukraine. President Donald Trump had hinted at this change in recent statements and direct talks with Russia in Riyadh, where Ukraine and European representatives were absent.

India’s abstention followed its consistent approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has avoided taking sides, balancing ties with strategic partners on both ends. Despite Washington’s shift, India maintained its neutral stance.

The 193-member UNGA voted on Ukraine’s resolution titled “Advancing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.” The resolution condemned the destruction and human suffering in Ukraine and urged compliance with the UN Charter and international law.

India was among 65 nations that abstained. Other abstaining countries included Brazil, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Syria, Ethiopia, and Argentina. In South Asia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka abstained, while Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Myanmar voted in favor. Australia, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and several European nations joined Ukraine in supporting the resolution. G7 members, except the US, backed it.

Eighteen nations, including Russia, the US, North Korea, Belarus, Hungary, Israel, and Sudan, opposed the resolution. When the UNGA adopted the resolution, applause filled the hall as many members welcomed its passage.

The resolution coincided with the war’s third anniversary. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the conflict threatens Europe’s security and the core principles of the United Nations.

The US also introduced a rival resolution titled “The Path to Peace,” expressing sorrow for lives lost in the “Russian Federation-Ukraine” conflict. France proposed an amendment to replace that phrase with “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.” The amendment passed, and the resolution was adopted with 93 votes in favor, eight against, and 73 abstentions. The US abstained in the final vote on its own resolution. India also abstained.

US Ambassador Dorothy Shea noted that previous UNGA resolutions had failed to end the war. She emphasized the need for a durable resolution that commits all UN members to ending the conflict. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defense, condemning Russia’s violation of its sovereignty.

The UNGA resolution also stressed accountability for serious crimes committed in Ukraine, reinforcing global efforts to seek justice for war atrocities.