Guyana’s Diplomatic Balancing Act Amidst Ukraine Conflict
Guyana supported a US resolution at the UNSC regarding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, but did not condemn Russia directly. President Trump’s resolution aimed for peace and received majority support, despite conflicting positions at the UN General Assembly. Guyana also backed a pro-Ukraine resolution emphasizing sovereignty and immediate Russian withdrawal, showcasing its diplomatic balancing act amidst regional tensions.
On February 24, 2025, Guyana backed a US-sponsored resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that aimed to address Russian aggression in Ukraine. Notably, the resolution did not explicitly condemn Russia’s actions. This choice is particularly controversial given Guyana’s ongoing border tensions with Venezuela and its apparent intent to strengthen ties with the United States.
US President Donald Trump introduced the resolution as a push for peace, taking a neutral stance on the conflict, which diverges from longstanding US policy. The resolution received 66.67% support from the UNSC, with 10 to 15 members voting in favor, including Guyana, China, and Russia. Notably, five European nations abstained from voting.
The UNSC has failed to take substantial measures regarding the Ukraine situation, primarily due to Russia’s veto as a permanent member. Earlier on the same day, Guyana expressed conflicting positions by backing two resolutions at the UN General Assembly—one advocating for peace with the US support and another, supported by Ukraine and European nations, emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The US-backed resolution, termed “The Path to Peace,” aimed to foster diplomatic negotiations, ultimately passing with 93 votes in favor. Despite initially abstaining from a vote condemning Russia’s actions, Guyana eventually supported another pro-Ukraine resolution, which called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces and recognized Ukraine’s sovereignty, passing with 93 votes in favor as well.
Support for the pro-Ukraine resolution also came from various CARICOM nations, although some, such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, abstained from voting. Notably, Haiti failed to participate in the ballot altogether, reflecting a diverse response among Caribbean nations regarding the conflict.
Guyana’s decision to support the US resolution at the UNSC reflects its desire to align more closely with the United States amidst ongoing regional tensions. The complex interplay of resolutions from the US and pro-Ukraine factions highlights the ongoing global debate over the conflict. Ultimately, Guyana’s involvement in both supporting peace efforts and reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity demonstrates its balancing act in international diplomacy.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com