The US has opted not to support a joint World Trade Organization (WTO) statement condemning Russia’s “aggression against Ukraine”, a diplomatic source and a Geneva trade official told Reuters.
The refusal comes amid a shift in Washington’s policy towards Moscow, which has included reestablishing diplomatic ties and ending the Ukraine conflict.
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The statement, was reportedly backed by 44 WTO members including Ukraine, the European Union, the UK, Canada, and Australia, denounced the humanitarian and economic toll of Russia’s actions.
RT reports: The move would mark the first time Washington has refused to support the annual statement since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Reuters noted that it could be seen as another signal of US President Donald Trump’s policy pivot regarding relations with Russia.
On Monday, the US declined to support a UN statement holding Russia accountable for the Ukraine conflict, timed to mark the third anniversary of the escalation.
Earlier this month, Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of his administration’s broader effort to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine. The leaders agreed to initiate negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Last week, US and Russian officials held high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, where the delegations discussed creating a framework for a potential peace agreement and enhancing bilateral ties. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hailed the meeting as “very useful,” noting that, for the first time, the US delegation listened to Moscow’s concerns.