Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun 
US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28. (©Reuters via Kyodo)
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On Friday, February 28, a meeting between United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy broke down after an argument over ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending Russian aggression in Ukraine. That invasion is now in its fourth year.
It was only four days after the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution supporting Ukraine in the ongoing Russian invasion. European countries and Ukraine voted for the resolution. However, the US joined Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and a few other nations in voting against it.
The resolution called for a peace process that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and for the investigation and prosecution of serious Russian crimes committed on Ukrainian soil. It expressed concern that the Russian invasion has continued for three years and called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops.
Both the Oval Office dispute and US opposition to the UN resolution were extremely unfortunate.
Promises of the Budapest Memorandum
Until now, America has been Ukraine's biggest supporter in its fight against the aggressor Russia. The failure of the US to condemn Russian aggression, which unequivocally violates international law, could be perceived as showing little regard for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Has the US forgotten that, in 1994, it signed the Budapest Memorandum with the United Kingdom and Russia? In exchange for giving up its nuclear weapons, the parties promised Ukraine "territorial integrity" and "guarantees of security."
Trump needs to continue military support for Ukraine. On that basis, he should hold sincere talks with Ukraine, which seeks a "just and lasting peace."
The inviolability of the territory of sovereign states forms the foundation of the international order. US policymakers should realize that not criticizing Russia for violating this principle will undermine America's credibility and prestige in the international community.
Criticizing Putin's Aggression
It is believed that by voting against the UN resolution on Monday, the Trump administration was trying to avoid incurring the wrath of Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, showing such consideration for the sensibilities of the aggressor will not bring an end to the war.
General Assembly resolutions on the invasion of Ukraine were passed shortly after the invasion began in March 2022 and in February 2023. Significantly, 141 countries voted for them, including the United States.
This time, 93 nations voted for the General Assembly resolution. However, 65 countries abstained, nearly double the number seen in past votes. It has been pointed out that some of these countries abstained out of concern for possible deterioration in relations with the US.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution submitted by the US calling for an "early end to the conflict." It did not contain any language critical of Russia, such as "aggression." Nor did it mention "the territorial integrity of Ukraine."
The resolution passed with five abstentions, including the United Kingdom and France, both of which hold the veto power, and non-permanent member Denmark. It is not surprising that French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière criticized the Security Council resolution calling for US-Russia cooperation, saying, "The law of the jungle must not prevail."
Japan's Perspective
Russian President Putin probably can't stop laughing at the week's events. However, we must not allow the aggressor to gain any more advantage ー a ceasefire cannot be negotiated without Ukraine. Trump and Zelensky should cool their heads and return to the negotiating table.
"The involvement of the United States is essential to bring about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said during a video conference of G7 leaders.
If that is so, we must encourage the United States to intervene on the side of justice.
RELATED:
- No True Ceasefire Until Ukraine is Safe from Russian Invasion
- Ukraine War, Three Years On: How Can Democracies Thwart Putin?
- INTERVIEW | Ukraine Advisor: 'If Russia Stops the Aggression, the War Will End'
(Read the related editorials here and here in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
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