Republicans Divided Over Trump Administration’s

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Republicans Divided Over Trump Administration’s Pro-Russia Stance at U.N.

Washington, Feb. 25, 2025 – A group of traditional Republicans in Congress has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s unexpected alignment with Russia at the United Nations, a move that marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the Ukraine war. Despite the outcry from some within the party, most G.O.P. lawmakers have remained silent on the issue.

Representative Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) was among the vocal critics, stating, “The Trump Administration royally screwed up today on Ukraine. The vast majority of Americans stand up for independence, freedom, and free markets, and against the bully and invader.”

The U.N. Vote That Sparked Controversy

The backlash followed the U.S. vote against a U.N. General Assembly resolution, introduced by Ukraine, which condemned Russia’s invasion and called for withdrawal and accountability for war crimes. Shortly after, the U.S. led the passage of a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for peace in Ukraine—but notably omitting any condemnation of Russia. Key U.S. allies, including Britain and France, abstained from voting.

Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) expressed concern over the policy shift, stating, “This posture is a dramatic shift from American ideals of freedom and democracy. I am deeply troubled by this vote, which puts us on the same side as Russia and North Korea.”

The Russian delegation welcomed the U.S. move, suggesting that it offered optimism for future European security discussions.

A Break from Past U.S. Foreign Policy

This marks a stark departure from previous U.S. policy, which for years had been strongly pro-Ukraine, providing military aid, financial assistance, and diplomatic support to help repel Russian aggression. Even Republicans skeptical of funding Ukraine’s war effort had previously agreed that Russia was the clear aggressor in the conflict.

However, Trump’s diplomatic pivot—which includes accusing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky of being a “dictator” and suggesting Ukraine started the war—has left many Republicans unwilling to confront the president directly.

Muted Criticism Within the G.O.P.

Even some Republicans who criticized the U.S. stance at the U.N. refrained from directly blaming Trump. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) condemned the policy shift but also partially blamed President Biden, stating, “Refusing to acknowledge Russia as the undeniable and unprovoked aggressor is more than an unseemly moral equivalency—it reflects a gross misunderstanding of the nature of negotiations and leverage.”

McConnell further argued that Biden’s weak response to the crisis had contributed to this diplomatic failure, warning that it threatens America’s security interests in Ukraine.

G.O.P. Split and the Road Ahead

The sharp internal division within the Republican Party reflects broader uncertainties about the future of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership. As the 2024 election approaches, America’s role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict remains a key issue, with Republican lawmakers facing pressure to take a clear stand.

For now, Trump’s pro-Russia rhetoric and U.N. policy shift signal a dramatic transformation in U.S. geopolitical alliances, leaving America’s traditional allies—and even members of his own party—uncertain about what comes next.