In a notable shift from prior positions, the United States voted alongside Russia on Monday against a United Nations resolution that condemned Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

This resolution was considered a significant indication of international sentiment concerning the ongoing conflict as it approaches its third anniversary.

Predominantly supported by European countries, the resolution received 93 votes in favor, 18 votes against, and saw 65 abstentions.

The U.S. decision to align with Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Sudan in opposing the resolution signifies a marked change in President Donald Trump’s stance on the Ukraine situation, ending a previous easing of relations with Russia.

The resolution fundamentally condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and highlighted the necessity of upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Amid rising tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the U.S. proposed an alternative resolution, which faced criticism from other nations.

France notably suggested amendments to the U.S. draft, demanding the inclusion of the phrase “full-scale invasion of Ukraine” and reaffirming dedication to Ukraine's territorial sovereignty, a point omitted from the U.S. version.

Supporters of Ukraine, especially in Europe, voiced their inability to support the original U.S. proposal, resulting in significant amendments.

Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, one of Europe’s most pro-Russian leaders, voted against these amendments.

The final resolution approved by the General Assembly maintained strong language condemning Russia while emphasizing the significance of maintaining Ukraine's borders, a key theme in earlier UN resolutions largely endorsed by the U.S. during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

Just before the vote, Dorothy Shea, the U.S. envoy to the UN, remarked, "Neither these amendments, nor the resolution proposed by Ukraine will halt the killing. The UN must stop the killing," urging all member states to refocus on the UN’s primary mission of ensuring international peace and security.

Following the General Assembly's decision, the United States is expected to present its original text for a vote in the UN Security Council later that same day.

A U.S. State Department official suggested that the U.S. would wield its veto against any amendments put forth by Russia or European nations.

According to UN rules, resolutions brought before the Security Council must garner at least nine votes from the 15 members and cannot be vetoed by any of the five permanent members, which include the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, and China.

Even if the EU members on the Council—France, Slovenia, Denmark, and Greece, alongside the UK—were to abstain, the U.S. resolution could still be approved.

This scenario poses a challenge for France and Britain, potentially forcing them to confront tough choices about using their veto powers for the first time in over 30 years while their leaders, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, are in the U.S. for important talks about Ukraine.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has advocated for a peace strategy that fully respects Ukraine's territorial integrity and adheres to the principles established in the UN Charter.