In a dramatic break from previous US policy, President Donald Trump has relaxed Washington’s censure of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This step indicates a tactical shift toward ending the war on terms favorable to Russia, further expanding America’s split with its allies.

In Monday’s UNGA vote, the US and Russia opposed a European-sponsored resolution that squarely blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for launching the full-scale invasion three years ago. This is in sharp contrast to the Biden administration’s strong anti-Russia policy.

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The resolution, which gained much less backing than earlier ones on the war, reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemned Russia’s actions.

India, China Abstain from Peace Resolution

India and China abstained from a standalone resolution calling for de-escalation, an early ceasefire, and peaceful negotiations. They were part of 65 member states—ranging from Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and Vietnam—that abstained.

In a rare alignment, both the US and Russia subsequently backed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate halt to the war—without specifically blaming Russia. This surprising consensus highlights Trump’s dramatic departure from Biden’s management of the conflict.

US Position Complicates G7 Cohesion

As the G7 nations sought to issue a joint statement marking the war’s anniversary, the US resisted language explicitly condemning Moscow. According to sources, this disagreement hampered efforts to present a unified stance.

At the same time, Trump fast-tracked his solo initiative for ending the war, ignoring the European community and Ukraine. He said in his social media statements that he is having “serious discussions” with Putin and has referred to the possibility that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might pay an official visit to Washington in order to sign a natural resource accord—a component which Trump feels necessary for war resolution and providing legitimation of American support.

At a White House press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump was evasive on Europe’s contribution to the peace process. Macron, however, characterized their talks as a “turning point” and indicated Europe would be willing to send peacekeepers to Ukraine “once a lasting peace is negotiated.”

Trump, however, did not address possible US security guarantees for Ukraine—something Kyiv maintains is necessary for a long-term solution.

UNGA Votes on Resolutions, India Stays Neutral

The resolution urging a “de-escalation, an early end to hostilities, and a peaceful settlement” was voted in favor of 93 votes, 65 abstentions, and 18 against. India was among the countries that abstained. The UNGA hall spontaneously broke into applause upon the adoption of the resolution.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed that the conflict in Ukraine is a “serious threat” to both European security and to the very principles of the United Nations.

US Introduces Alternative Resolution

In a bid to redefine the international narrative, the US tabled a short resolution called “The Path to Peace.” The resolution recognized the death toll in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict.” France, however, sought to modify it by substituting this with “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.”

The amended resolution was approved with 93 votes, eight against, and 73 abstentions—India once more abstained.

UNGA Demands Peace, Accountability, and Justice

The UNGA resolution backed by Ukraine highlighted the importance of bringing an end to the war this year via diplomatic means. It reaffirmed previous calls for Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine and underlined the demand for accountability for crimes committed in the conflict.

Further, it urged the unconditional release of all prisoners of war, the liberation of all people who are unlawfully imprisoned, and the restoration of forcibly displaced civilians, including children, in safety. It also decried assaults on energy installations of crucial importance, which involve severe hazards of nuclear accidents.