Guyana Aligns with U.S. on UN Resolution Concerning Russian Aggression

Guyana voted in favor of a US-sponsored resolution at the UNSC on February 24, 2025, regarding Russian actions in Ukraine, though it did not condemn Russia explicitly. This decision may draw criticism due to regional tensions with Venezuela and its implications for US relations. Guyana also backed a pro-Ukraine resolution earlier in the UN General Assembly, demonstrating its complex diplomatic stance in the ongoing conflict.

On February 24, 2025, Guyana aligned with the United States in voting for a resolution in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) concerning Russian aggression in Ukraine. Notably, the resolution did not explicitly condemn Russia, which may lead to criticism amidst Guyana’s attempts to navigate regional tensions, particularly with Venezuela. The decision appears to be influenced by a desire to strengthen relations with Washington during this pivotal UN meeting.

This resolution, sponsored by US President Donald Trump, adopts an unusual neutral stance while calling for peace between Russia and Ukraine. The vote revealed an unexpected alignment, with 66.67% of member nations supporting the resolution. The countries that voted in favor included not only the United States but also China, Russia, Guyana, and several others, while a collective of European nations, including Britain and France, chose not to participate.

The UNSC has struggled to enact effective measures regarding the Ukraine conflict due to Russia’s veto power, limiting its responses to the crisis. Earlier that day, Guyana participated in two contradictory votes at the UN General Assembly, reflecting its complex position. One resolution, which garnered US support, urged for peace, while the other reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity backed by Kyiv and allied nations.

The resolution titled “The Path to Peace,” which sought diplomatic avenues for resolution, ultimately received a favorable vote despite Guyana’s initial abstention from the amendment condemning Russian actions. The final version of the resolution passed with 93 votes in favor, eight against, and 73 abstentions, showcasing broad support despite varying positions.

In an additional vote, Guyana also endorsed a pro-Ukraine resolution named “Advancing a Comprehensive, Just, and Lasting Peace in Ukraine,” which emphasized Ukraine’s sovereignty and called for an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. This resolution also achieved considerable approval with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions. The CARICOM nations strongly supported this, although Saint Vincent and Grenadines abstained and Haiti did not cast a vote.

Guyana’s vote with the United States at the UNSC highlights its intricate diplomatic positioning amidst regional tensions and international scrutiny. Although the resolution did not condemn Russia, Guyana’s participation reflects its strategic interests in fostering ties with Washington. The contrasting resolutions it supported earlier at the UN underscore the nation’s balancing act between regional politics and international diplomacy. Overall, these actions indicate a nuanced approach to Guyana’s foreign policy in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Original Source: nycaribnews.com