UN resolutions lay bare gulf between US and Europe | DW News

Summary

The United States, under President Trump, made a controversial shift in its foreign policy, siding with Russia on two UN votes regarding the war in Ukraine, breaking ranks with European allies. The shift was met with criticism both at home and abroad, with many seeing it as a departure from traditional US support for democracy. Former US diplomat John E. Herbst reflects on this unexpected turn, explaining that Trump's approach to diplomacy with dictators may influence his stance toward Ukraine and Russia. Amid growing tensions, Europe remains concerned, while Ukraine continues its fight for territorial integrity and international support.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United States broke ranks with its European allies and sided with Russia on two votes in the United Nations regarding the war in Ukraine.
• 😀 This marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump's leadership, contrasting with prior U.S. support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
• 😀 The U.S. voted against a European-drafted resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, alongside Russia, North Korea, and Belarus.
• 😀 In another vote, the U.S. introduced a resolution calling for peace but did not label Russia as the aggressor, with the UK and France abstaining after failed attempts to amend it.
• 😀 Nancy Pelosi and other U.S. lawmakers criticized the U.S. vote for aligning with Russia and North Korea, which they saw as contradictory to American values of democracy and freedom.
• 😀 John E. Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, expressed disappointment, calling the U.S. vote with 'a pack of rogues' a sad day for diplomacy.
• 😀 Ukrainian officials and many European allies are upset by the U.S. decision, as it signifies a departure from traditional American support for Ukraine.
• 😀 Trump’s approach of trying to befriend dictators like Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un has been criticized, as it contrasts with past diplomatic strategies.
• 😀 The potential damage from the U.S.'s actions at the UN depends on whether this shift becomes a pattern, which could severely affect relationships with European allies.
• 😀 Although concerns about U.S. support persist, ongoing diplomatic efforts, such as talks involving European leaders like Macron and Starmer, aim to anchor Trump towards a more stable policy on Ukraine.

Q & A

What is the significance of the United States siding with Russia at the UN on the war in Ukraine?

The United States' vote against a European-drafted resolution blaming Russia for the invasion of Ukraine marks a dramatic shift in US foreign policy, particularly under President Trump. It has raised concerns in Europe and the US, as it goes against the traditional stance of supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and democracy.

What was the outcome of the vote in the UN General Assembly regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

The resolution, which condemned Russia for the invasion and supported Ukraine's territorial integrity, passed. However, the United States voted against it, aligning with Russia and its allies like North Korea and Belarus.

How did European countries react to the US vote at the UN?

The vote sparked criticism from European allies. Nancy Pelosi and Senator John Curtis, both of whom are members of the Democratic Party, expressed their dismay, emphasizing that siding with Russia undermines support for democracy and freedom.

Why did the US vote against the resolution in the UN General Assembly?

The US, under President Trump's administration, pursued a strategy of engaging with dictators like Putin, believing that being friendly and negotiating would bring about peace. This approach led to the decision to vote against the resolution, which labeled Russia as the aggressor.

What was the reaction of Ukrainian officials and citizens to the US vote?

Ukrainians, particularly former officials like Ukraine's former Minister of Economy, were disappointed by the US vote, seeing it as a deliberate move to side with Russia. Many European allies also voiced their concerns, with some expecting a shift in US policy on Ukraine.

How much damage has this US decision done to its relationship with Europe?

If the US's stance remains a one-off incident, it may be manageable. However, if it continues, it could severely damage transatlantic relations, especially as it undermines European efforts to counter Russia's aggression.

What is President Trump's stance on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine?

President Trump appears to be advocating for a stable peace or ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He believes that engaging positively with Putin will help achieve this, despite concerns that such an approach might be misguided.

What role did President Macron play during his visit to Washington regarding Ukraine?

French President Macron took an active role in correcting President Trump during their discussions on the US and European approach to the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding the financing of the war and peacekeeping efforts.

How did the US media and lawmakers react to Trump's recent statements on Ukraine?

Conservative newspapers, like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, as well as several Republican lawmakers, criticized Trump's statements on Ukraine, particularly his soft stance toward Putin and his comments on Zelensky's leadership.

What is the current sentiment in Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion?

While Ukrainians are resilient, they remain concerned about the US's shifting position on support for Ukraine. They are wary of Trump's soft rhetoric toward Putin and are working to secure continued support from European allies and the US.