US Again Declines to Join UN Statement Condemning Russia’s Strikes on Ukraine

The United States has once again opted not to join a United Nations statement condemning Russia's military actions in Ukraine and urging an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This decision comes as 50 nations joined the document, marking Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence. The statement was released on Monday, August 24, as Kyiv, Washington, and European allies collaborate on a potential peace framework that could involve a ceasefire and troop withdrawals.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, speaking at the UN, urged Russia to accept the calls for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire and resume negotiations for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. The statement also called for prisoner exchanges, the release of unlawfully detained individuals, and the return of Ukrainians deported to Russia, including children.

The U.S. has previously declined to support similar Ukrainian proposals at the UN. In late May, Washington did not join Ukraine's statement condemning Russia's threats to carry out "systematic strikes" against Kyiv. In the fall of 2025, the U.S. permanent representative to the UN likewise declined to back a Ukrainian statement accusing Moscow of waging an "unprovoked war."

Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya dismissed the latest statement, asserting that attempts to impose a cease-fire on Russia under the guise of a ceasefire are bound to fail. He argued that Russia would not accept agreements that undermine what it perceives as its security interests and contended that continuous UN Security Council meetings on Ukraine would not alter Russia's stance.

Nebenzya emphasized that meaningful political and diplomatic dialogue remains unattainable as long as Russia is confronted with "ultimatums, terror, and threats," and the situation on the ground is disregarded.