US votes against UN resolution urging Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine
What's the story
In a first since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the United States has joined hands with Moscow to vote against a draft resolution by Ukraine and the European Union at the United Nations.
The resolution called for "de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution" of the conflict.
In the vote, 93 countries backed the joint resolution that named Russia as an aggressor state, while 18 countries, including Russia, the US, Israel, and Hungary, voted against.
Diplomatic realignment
US policy shift and global abstentions
The US's decision to vote against the resolution is a major departure from its previous alignment with European allies in the past three years of conflict.
The shift in stance comes as President Donald Trump recently held direct talks with Russia in Riyadh, skipping Ukraine and Europe.
Meanwhile, 65 nations, including India and China, abstained from voting on this resolution.
Strategic abstention
India's neutrality and UN resolution details
India's abstention is in line with its long-standing policy of neutrality on the matter, considering its strategic partnerships on either side.
The resolution, titled "Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine," highlighted the importance of holding accountable for serious crimes under international law committed in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa said Ukraine is exercising its "inherent right to self-defense" after Russia's invasion.
Amended proposal
US's rival resolution and UN Secretary-General's concerns
The US proposed a rival resolution, "The path to peace," mourning the loss of life in the "Russian Federation-Ukraine" conflict.
However, France amended the resolution to call Russia the aggressor, and it was adopted with 93 votes in favor.
The outcome revealed some reduced support for Ukraine because earlier assembly votes saw more than 140 nations denounce Russia's aggression and demand an immediate withdrawal.