The US voted with Russia and its allies against a resolution condemning the invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict on February 24 as the Western unity to support Kyiv in its struggle continues to crumble.

The resolution was introduced to the UN General Assembly on de-escalation of the situation in Ukraine by Kyiv and developed with the support of the European Union, was supported by 93 UN member states.

Washington found itself in the company of North Korea, Belarus and six other Moscow-friendly countries, in voting against the motion, one of the least supported UN resolutions condemning the war. Previous resolutions have won around 140 votes in support of Ukraine. A total of 73 countries abstained including Israel, Serbia, Armenia, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Vietnam.

The US had floated its own version of the resolution that urged an end to the war without mentioning Moscow's aggression, which was rejected by the UNGA. Instead, it approved the European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia immediately withdraw its forces, which the Trump administration opposed.

The clash of UN alternative resolutions only highlighted the growing divisions between the US and Europe over how to bring the conflict to an end – a setback for the Trump administration in the 193-member world body, whose resolutions are not legally binding.

The US tried to pressure Ukraine into withdrawing its resolution in favour of its proposal, including a last-minute appeal by US deputy ambassador Dorothy Shea, which Ukraine refused.

The failed US resolution pulled its punches, only referring to "the tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict" and called for "a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia." It did not mention Moscow´s invasion despite the anniversary nor openly condemn Russia for its unprovoked invasion.

France's UN ambassador, Nicolas De Riviere, proposed the three amendments on behalf of more than 20 European countries. He wanted to replace "Russia-Ukraine conflict" with "full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation." He also wanted to reaffirm the assembly´s commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The last amendment was a call for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine that respects the U.N. Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, AP reported.

European leaders have been blindsided by the White House rapidly warming relations with the Kremlin and its aggressive stance with Kyiv. The ceasefire negotiations between Russia and the US kicked off in Riyadh on February 18 and are due to resume next week.

The White House pressured Ukraine in the lead up to the vote to remove language that condemned the invasion or mentioned Russia’s responsibility for the tens of thousands of deaths the conflict has caused.

The vote was held on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Over a dozen EU leaders had travelled to Kyiv the same day to show solidarity with Kyiv and demonstrations were held across Europe backing Ukraine in its struggle.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal thanked the UN General Assembly for supporting the resolution "Promoting a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine."

"The resolution clearly indicates that it is Russia that is the aggressor. It reaffirms the commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The resolution emphasizes that any seizure of territory by force cannot be recognized as legal," Shmyhal said in the Telegram channel.

He said this is an important step to restore international law and return the world to the goals and principles of the UN Charter.