Senators Blast Weak US Position on Ukraine

April 17 ------ A Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing titled “Reforming the UN: Assessing US Efforts and Priorities,” exposed sharp divisions over the role of the United Nations and turned into a broader debate over US strategy toward allies and adversaries.

Bipartisan frustration over failure to defend Ukraine

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID) blasted what he described as the UN’s failure to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “It’s incredibly frustrating to see these votes in the Security Council where you can’t even condemn Russia for invading a country, crossing boundaries, and trying to take land, when that is a direct violation of the very foundation of the UN,” Risch said. “Not only can’t they do anything about it, but they also can’t even condemn it.”

Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) argued that Washington’s recent positions at the United Nations have weakened support for Ukraine. “In February, on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the United States abstained from a General Assembly resolution reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Shaheen said. “That resolution passed 107 to 12, as I am sure you know. More concerning, the United States advanced a proposal to strip out that language. And although that effort failed, it was supported by Russia, Hungary, and Belarus.”

She added: “Just weeks later, the US opposed a resolution warning that attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid threaten nuclear safety. A resolution backed by our allies across Europe, as well as partners like Canada and Australia. However, the United States joined Russia and China in opposing it.” Referring to a recent bipartisan trip to Asia, Shaheen added: “What we heard consistently is that as the United States pulls back, China is stepping in more aggressively.”

Source: kyivpost.com