America sided with Russia, China, and Niger on Thursday when voting against a United Nations nuclear agency resolution that criticized strikes on Ukraine’s electrical systems, according to diplomatic sources.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-member Board of Governors approved the measure, marking the seventh Ukraine-focused resolution since Russia’s invasion of its neighbor four years ago. However, this represents the first instance of American opposition to such a resolution.
“While we continue supporting the IAEA’s work in-country, we do not support the Board’s current consideration of an unnecessary resolution that does not help achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia,” the United States said in its statement to the board before the vote.
President Donald Trump has recently pushed Ukraine toward accepting a rapid peace agreement that might require surrendering territory to Russia. Ukrainian leadership has rejected any territorial concessions.
Diplomats present at the private session reported the resolution succeeded with 20 supporting votes from nations including France, Britain, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Argentina, while facing 10 abstentions and four opposing votes. Countries abstaining included Brazil, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
According to the text reviewed by Reuters, the current resolution used less forceful language than earlier versions. The document stated the board “reemphasizes that attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for the off-site power supply of nuclear power plants, including at the ZNPP (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant), represent a direct threat to nuclear safety and security.”
This action comes after America abstained during a UN General Assembly vote in February marking the invasion anniversary, when members approved a resolution supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and expressing alarm over escalating Russian strikes against civilians and essential energy systems.
That General Assembly measure succeeded with 107 nations supporting, 12 opposing, and 51 abstaining.
American officials explained their General Assembly abstention by stating the resolution contained provisions that might interfere with ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
