Abdelrahman
The Kremlin has expressed approval of what it describes as a “more balanced” approach from the United States regarding Ukraine, following a recent UN Security Council resolution put forward by the Trump administration that notably did not criticize Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov interpreted this resolution as a sign of America’s intention to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Moscow supported the resolution, which gained approval late on Monday, even as several European nations abstained from the vote, highlighting a growing divide between Washington and its European allies.
In a brief three-paragraph motion coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US adopted a neutral stance, urging a “swift end” to hostilities and promoting “lasting peace.” This marked a notable shift from the Biden administration’s consistent backing of Ukraine throughout the ongoing crisis.
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, acknowledged the “constructive changes” in the U.S. position. Meanwhile, US allies on the 15-member Security Council, including France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia, chose to abstain from the vote.
UK UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward stated that although Britain shares the desire for a long-term resolution to the conflict, it does not recognize any equivalency between Russia and Ukraine in the context of the council’s discussions on the war. She expressed disappointment that proposals aimed at clarifying this point were not incorporated, leading the UK to withhold support for the resolution.
This resolution represents the first instance of the Security Council passing a measure during the war, as previous actions have been obstructed by Russia’s veto power. The U.S. proposal did not include calls for a ceasefire or immediate actions. In response to inquiries on whether the U.S. sought “global support for vague peace,” a State Department official confirmed that this is indeed the essence of the UN’s purpose.
In contrast, earlier resolutions from the 193-member UN General Assembly—backed predominantly by European nations—condemned Russia for its aggression, underscoring the global divergence in perspectives regarding the conflict.
While Security Council resolutions carry legal weight, General Assembly resolutions, although non-binding, reflect international consensus and bear significant diplomatic implications.
During the gathering, 93 countries endorsed a resolution put forth by Ukraine and the EU, demanding Russia withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory. This contrasted sharply with the stance taken by the US, Russia, Israel, Belarus, and North Korea, who voted against the resolution, illustrating an extraordinary change since Trump’s election, where he has largely exonerated Vladimir Putin from the conflict’s instigation.
Despite efforts earlier on Monday by the US to have the Security Council resolution adopted, America’s proposal failed to gain traction in the General Assembly until it was revised to incorporate language that has consistently supported Ukraine.
These developments unfolded as Trump held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, alongside talks with G7 leaders focused on peace negotiations aimed at concluding the war, highlighting the widening gap between the United States and European capitals regarding NATO’s future.
Friedrich Merz, a likely candidate for Germany’s chancellorship, remarked that Europe should pursue greater autonomy from the US, emphasizing an urgent need to bolster European independence.
In a notable shift, Trump’s administration is pursuing talks with Putin that may marginalize Ukraine, while also pressuring Kyiv to engage in a deal regarding “critical minerals” to offset costs associated with U.S. military support.
“I am actively engaged in negotiations with President Vladimir Putin regarding the war’s conclusion and substantial economic partnerships between the US and Russia,” Trump announced on Monday. “Discussions are advancing positively!”
