Fact Check: "US secretly colluded with Russia against Ukraine's resolution at the UN."
What We Know
The claim that the United States secretly colluded with Russia against Ukraine's resolution at the United Nations (UN) is based on recent voting patterns and statements made during UN sessions. On February 24, 2025, the U.S. opposed a resolution proposed by Ukraine that sought to condemn Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict. Instead, the U.S. put forth its own resolution, which emphasized a path to peace rather than directly condemning Russia (source-1).
Ambassador Dorothy Shea, representing the U.S., stated that the U.S. could not support Ukraine's resolution and urged its withdrawal in favor of a resolution that would focus on ending the war (source-1). This decision was interpreted by some as siding with Russia, especially since the U.S. also voted against amendments proposed by the European Union and Russia that aimed to reinforce Ukraine's position (source-1).
In contrast, a resolution supported by 141 countries, including the U.S., called for a comprehensive peace in Ukraine, demanding that Russia withdraw its forces (source-2). This indicates that while the U.S. did not support Ukraine's specific resolution, it was still aligned with the broader international consensus against Russia's invasion.
Analysis
The assertion of collusion relies heavily on the interpretation of the U.S.'s voting behavior and its diplomatic rhetoric. The U.S. has consistently stated its commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as evidenced by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield's remarks following the adoption of a resolution on a comprehensive peace in Ukraine, where she emphasized the need for Russia to withdraw immediately and unconditionally (source-2).
However, some reports suggest that the U.S. has shifted its stance, with claims that it has sided with Russia in recent UN votes (source-3, source-6). This shift can be seen as a strategic move to facilitate negotiations rather than outright collusion. The U.S. has articulated that its proposed resolution aims to create a framework for peace rather than merely condemning Russia, which it argues is necessary for achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict (source-1).
The reliability of the sources varies; official statements from U.S. representatives are credible as they reflect the government's position. However, media interpretations may introduce bias, particularly in framing the U.S. actions as collusion rather than a complex diplomatic strategy.
Conclusion
The claim that the U.S. secretly colluded with Russia against Ukraine's resolution at the UN is False. While the U.S. did oppose Ukraine's specific resolution and voted in a manner that some interpret as siding with Russia, it continues to advocate for Ukraine's sovereignty and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The U.S. actions can be seen as part of a broader diplomatic strategy rather than collusion.
Sources
- Remarks at a UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine. US Mission
- Remarks at the UN General Assembly Stakeout Following the Adoption of a Resolution on a Comprehensive Peace in Ukraine. US Mission
- US sides with Russia in UN resolutions on Ukraine. BBC News
- Ukraine war: Amid shifting alliances, General Assembly passes resolutions. UN News
- These 17 countries voted with US against Ukraine UN resolution. The Hill
- Russia-Ukraine war: How the US position has changed on UN resolutions. Al Jazeera