Media: US abstains from WTO condemnation of Russia's aggression in Ukraine

The United States abstained from co-sponsoring a joint statement at the World Trade Organization (WTO) condemning Russia's aggression in Ukraine, marking the first time the US has not supported the statement since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

This move signals a shift in the US diplomatic approach towards Russia, further highlighting its evolving position on the war, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

More than 40 WTO members, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, joined the statement, which was presented during the Ukraine trade review session at the WTO.

When contacted for comment, the US mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not respond.

The statement, traditionally endorsed by the US and its allies, condemns Russia's actions in Ukraine and underscores international support for Ukraine. This year, however, the US opted to abstain, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic posture towards Russia, particularly after former President Donald Trump's changes to US foreign policy.

In another related development, dozens of high-ranking officials walked out during a Russian speech at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva as a gesture of support for Ukraine. The walkout, which included ambassadors from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, took place to commemorate the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, a brief resolution reflecting a more neutral stance on the conflict was adopted, in line with the changes in US policy under Trump’s administration after he took office last month. Trump's softer stance on Russia was apparent, as Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, acknowledged "constructive changes" in the US position on the conflict.

Nebenzia also remarked that the resolution was "not an ideal resolution," but described it as "a starting point for future efforts towards a peaceful settlement."

The 15-member UN Security Council has remained deadlocked during the war, unable to take any significant action in response to the ongoing conflict.

This latest diplomatic development underscores the deepening divides over the Ukraine war within international forums and the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy.

By Vafa Guliyeva