The United States declined to join a joint appeal by over 50 United Nations members on August 24, urging Russia to cease its aggression and strikes against civilians in Ukraine. The statement, supported by the EU, the U.K., Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, called for Russia to agree to an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and resume peace talks.
During a UN Security Council meeting held on Ukraine's Independence Day, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that the "senseless war and the immense human suffering could end immediately" if Russia accepted the international community's calls for a ceasefire. However, U.S. envoy Dan Negrea, addressing the council, called upon "both sides" to halt strikes that could endanger civilian vessels. Russia has been increasingly targeting Ukrainian Black Sea ports and merchant ships, while Kyiv has targeted Russian vessels involved in evading sanctions.
Negrea also urged both Kyiv and Moscow to return to negotiations to restore peace and stability. This stance aligns with the Trump administration's policy since the President's return to office, which has involved refraining from condemning Russia's invasion and significantly reducing military aid to Ukraine in an effort to pursue stalled peace talks. The U.S. has also previously abstained from joint appeals condemning Russian actions at international forums, including a rebuke of threats to foreign embassies in Kyiv in May.
