The highest-ranking US representative now at the United Nations told Congress two years ago that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was “unprovoked” and “unjustified,” urging UN members to condemn Moscow’s aggression and demand an end to the war.
In February, it was the same career diplomat, Dorothy Shea, who voiced the Trump administration’s extraordinary decision to split with European allies and refuse to back a UN resolution blaming Russia for its invasion on the third anniversary of the war.
While it is typical for diplomats to stay on as US presidents - and their political parties - change, Shea’s interim role has unexpectedly made her a face of the stunning US transition on the world stage, with President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach increasingly upending the post-World War II international order.
Shea will be in place longer than expected after Trump’s unusual decision last month to withdraw his nominee for UN ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik, from consideration because of a slim Republican House majority.
“I would say (Shea’s) position is unique. It is probably particularly unique in that because of the extraordinary change, not just from one administration to another, but really an era of US foreign policy, even when there were nuanced differences,” said Phillip Reeker, the former acting assistant secretary of state for Europe. “The change in the vote that took place at the UN on the Russia-Ukraine war was really an inflection point in US policy.”
On Feb. 24, the US joined Russia in voting against a European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding an immediate withdrawal of Moscow’s forces. A dueling US resolution noted “the tragic loss of life” and called for “a swift end to the conflict,” but it didn’t mention Moscow’s aggression as the Trump administration opened negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire. “Continuing to engage in rhetorical rivalries in New York may make diplomats feel vindicated, but it will not save souls on the battlefield,” Shea, 59, said at the time. “Let us prove to ourselves and to our citizens that we can come together and agree on the most basic principles. Let us show one another that the bold vision of peace that once pulled us out of hell can prevail.”
The message was a shocking retreat for the US in the 193-member UN General Assembly, whose resolutions are not legally binding but are seen as a barometer of world opinion.