How A Single Event at the UN Heightens Tensions Between Europe and America
A dramatic day at the United Nations highlighted growing rifts within the transatlantic alliance since President Donald Trump reengaged with global diplomacy and shifted American foreign policy. When Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, Europe had no stronger ally than the United States. However, this week in New York’s General Assembly and Security Council halls, America sided against its closest allies alongside Russia, Belarus, and North Korea on resolutions concerning the conflict.
To commemorate Moscow’s invasion anniversary, Ukraine sought a symbolic resolution requiring the 193-member UN body to reaffirm Kyiv’s territorial integrity and call for Russian withdrawal according to the UN charter. Although it passed Monday, support was down from past years due to many abstentions aimed at avoiding tension with the US. Washington had urged other countries to oppose this measure in favor of a three-paragraph resolution that took a neutral stance on the conflict without blaming Russia and called for swift peace.
Washington introduced its proposal not just in the General Assembly where every vote is equal but also in the powerful Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding although often challenging to enforce. Historically, no action was taken there due to Russia’s veto power as a permanent member. This shift caught Europe by surprise; one diplomat described US behavior as bullying and insensitive to European security concerns.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes the war will end this year, while Putin offers rare minerals from both countries for US interests. The US’s new approach stunned Richard Gowan of Crisis Group: “The sight of Russia and America coordinating to embarrass Europe was truly shocking.” He notes that threats of aid cuts left a negative impression on many UN members.
In the Security Council, European diplomats initially tried postponing voting but faced opposition from China (aligned with US-Russia dynamics) despite their usual disagreements. When amendments were introduced mirroring those in the General Assembly resolution leading to US abstention, the US threatened vetoes if they named Russia as an aggressor and reaffirmed Ukraine’s borders.
Without resorting to a veto, Russia blocked amended language, ensuring Washington’s neutral resolution passed—breaking three years of Security Council deadlock due to Russian veto power. Trump welcomed this first council action for peace calls; others saw it more critically given the crude nature of US lobbying and threats of aid cuts.
