UN to vote to demand Russia pull troops out of Ukraine

In a stark shift from its longstanding foreign policy, the United States, along with Russia and other allies, on Monday voted against a United Nations resolution--backed by most of Europe--demanding Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine and condemning the war.

While the US sided with Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and 14 other Moscow-aligned nations on the resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine and demanding the return of occupied territory, the resolution was overwhelmingly approved by the UN General Assembly with 93 votes in favour, 18 against, and 65 abstentions.

In a setback to Washington, the General Assembly refused to approve a US-backed resolution that urged an end to the war without mentioning Moscow's aggression. However, the US was compelled to abstain from voting on its own resolution after European nations successfully amended Washington's draft, incorporating language reaffirming the UN’s longstanding support for Kyiv, specifically Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.