On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. voted against a UN resolution condemning the aggression, instead proposing a weaker alternative that omitted any mention of Russian culpability. This action, aligning the U.S. with Russia and against most European allies, marks a significant departure from past U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. resolution, calling only for an end to the conflict, was passed alongside the Ukrainian resolution, which garnered 93 votes in favor. This stark contrast highlights a deeply troubling and arguably dishonest shift in the U.S. stance on the conflict.
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Poland’s 46th military aid package for Ukraine, totaling €200 million, demonstrates its continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense. This contribution follows Poland’s significant role in training approximately 28,000 Ukrainian soldiers, a third of the EU total. Poland’s aid, encompassing tanks, heavy equipment, and ammunition, is among the highest globally relative to its GDP. Further bolstering Ukrainian capabilities, Poland continues to supply Starlink terminals for improved frontline communication.
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The United States voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, prioritizing a diplomatic approach aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Instead, the U.S. supported a separate, less condemnatory resolution calling for an end to the conflict. This decision reflects a broader U.S. strategy to soften its language regarding Russia, a shift coinciding with President Trump’s push for peace negotiations and criticisms of Ukraine. This strategy contrasts with resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly and supported by most EU nations.
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Ukraine’s parliament extended President Zelensky’s term indefinitely under martial law, rejecting calls for immediate elections amidst the ongoing war with Russia. This decision, supported unanimously by 286 deputies, clarifies that free and fair elections are currently impossible due to the conflict. The move follows criticism from Donald Trump, who labeled Zelensky a “dictator,” a claim Zelensky refuted. The resolution emphasizes Zelensky’s legitimate election and the constitutional requirement for him to remain in power until a successor is elected.
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Following an Estonian Independence Day flyover with Finnish and Dutch aircraft, a B-52 bomber patrolled the Belarus-Russia border before returning to the UK. Subsequently, two B-52s, deploying from RAF Fairford, conducted a second Middle Eastern Bomber Task Force mission within 48 hours, showcasing US force projection and interoperability with partner nations. This mission, including aerial refueling and training exercises with allied fighter escorts, reinforces deterrence and strengthens regional cooperation. The ongoing deployment emphasizes the US commitment to deterring Russian aggression and maintaining a swift response capability.
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On February 24th, Serbia inadvertently voted in favor of a UN resolution declaring Russia an aggressor in Ukraine, despite its intended abstention. President Vucic apologized for the error, attributing it to fatigue and an overwhelming workload. This vote, contrary to Serbia’s policy of neutrality regarding the conflict, is expected to negatively impact its relations with both Russia and the European Union. The resolution, amended to explicitly name Russia as the aggressor, passed with 93 votes in favor. Serbia maintains friendly ties with Russia but recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty.
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Dismissing a potential Ukrainian-U.S. rare earth minerals deal as inconsequential, Putin asserted Russia possesses significantly greater reserves, including in newly annexed Ukrainian territories. He proposed alternative cooperation with the U.S., offering access to these resources and suggesting joint aluminum production for mutual economic gain. This offer contrasts with the EU’s recently announced minerals deal with Ukraine, emphasizing mutually beneficial partnerships. Putin’s statements align with the Trump administration’s past pro-Russia stance and its echoing of Kremlin narratives regarding the Ukraine conflict.
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Despite Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s refusal of two draft agreements demanding $500 billion in compensation—including mineral, oil, and gas revenues—for US support against Russia, former President Trump claims a final deal is imminent. This deal would reportedly grant the US access to Ukraine’s substantial mineral reserves, including rare earths. Zelenskyy firmly rejected the initial proposals, citing the exorbitant and intergenerational cost. Trump, however, maintains the agreement will be mutually beneficial.
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Trump’s directive to federal employees to detail their weekly activities was defended as a necessary measure to identify non-existent or unproductive workers, thereby addressing alleged government inefficiencies and misallocation of funds. Critics, however, argued the measure was illegal. Trump’s justification centered on weeding out ghost employees and ensuring accountability within the federal workforce. The policy aimed to verify the employment status of federal workers and determine whether taxpayer money was being appropriately utilized. This approach was met with legal challenges.
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In a significant policy shift, the United States sided with Russia against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning the war in Ukraine, marking a divergence from its traditional stance and its European allies. This alignment continued in a subsequent UN Security Council vote on a US-proposed resolution that avoided explicitly blaming Russia or affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The US resolution, while passing the Security Council, drew sharp criticism from European nations for failing to address Russia’s aggression. The General Assembly resolution, conversely, garnered overwhelming support, demanding Russia’s complete withdrawal from Ukraine. This unprecedented US-Russia collaboration on a UN resolution regarding the war in Ukraine has raised significant international concerns.
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John Q. Hosedrinker