A sharp political turn: The US declines to identify Russia as an “aggressor” in G7 statements and refuses to co-author a UN resolution on Ukraine.

The US opposes the use of the word “aggressor” for Russia and similar formulations that G7 leaders have used since 2022 in statements connected with the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The Trump administration’s insistence on softening the wording reflects a broader shift in US policy, which now describes the war as the “Ukrainian conflict.”

Furthermore, President Zelenskyy’s participation in the virtual G7 summit on February 24 has not been confirmed and is in question. The shift in US policy emerged after Donald Trump referred to Zelenskyy as “a dictator without elections” and proposed inviting Russia back to the G7.

Additionally, the US has declined to co-sponsor a UN draft resolution marking the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This draft condemns Russian aggression and reaffirms commitment to “the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” Historically, the US has co-sponsored nearly all UN resolutions supporting Ukraine.