Trump’s neutral stance on Russia-Ukraine war sparks divide among European allies

The United Nations Security Council on Monday adopted a US-drafted resolution commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The resolution, which reflects a neutral stance on the conflict, comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to mediate peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
The resolution signals a shift in US policy towards Ukraine, as Trump has adopted a more conciliatory position on Russia compared to former President Joe Biden’s administration, which consistently supported Ukraine at the UN throughout the war, Reuters reported.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged the “constructive changes” in the US stance, noting that while the resolution was “not an ideal one,” it serves as a “starting point for future efforts towards a peaceful settlement.” The Security Council, however, had remained deadlocked for much of the conflict due to Russia’s veto power.
While the US resolution passed the Security Council with 10 votes in favour, France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained. Russia voted in favour after failing to amend the resolution, which notably excluded any language supporting Ukraine. In contrast, the General Assembly of the UN, which has 193 members, has repeatedly expressed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The resolution, which is binding, mourns the loss of life in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict” and reiterates the UN’s goal of maintaining international peace and security. It calls for the swift end of the conflict and a lasting peace. However, the General Assembly did not adopt the same resolution as the Security Council. The US failed to convince the assembly to back it, despite earlier attempts.
In the General Assembly, two resolutions were put forward: one drafted by Ukraine and European allies and one proposed by the US, which had been amended by the assembly to reflect long-standing support for Ukraine. The resolution amended by the US garnered 93 votes in favour, with 73 abstentions and 8 countries voting against, including Russia, North Korea, and Israel.
UK Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, underscored that while a resolution for peace is essential, it is crucial to emphasize that “aggression does not pay.” She further argued that there must be a clear distinction between the aggressor, Russia, and Ukraine as the victim.
French Ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, reiterated that France was fully committed to peace in Ukraine but emphasized that it should be “comprehensive, just, and lasting,” rejecting any proposal for Ukraine’s capitulation.
In his comments, acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, framed the resolution as an important first step towards peace. “This resolution puts us on the path to peace… Now we must use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community,” she said.
Despite the US backing a more neutral position, Ukraine and European nations continue to push for a comprehensive peace plan that reflects Ukraine’s sovereignty.