By Olivia Le Poidevin
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United States surprised many on Wednesday by choosing not to join in on a joint statement at the World Trade Organization denouncing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as reported by a diplomatic source and a trade official in Geneva to Reuters. This decision marks the first instance where the U.S. did not lend its support to the statement, which has traditionally been issued annually following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. This move is seen as a sign of the growing rapport between the United States and Russia.
Over 40 members of the WTO came together to endorse the statement during the Ukraine trade review session at the WTO. Notable supporters include the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Despite numerous countries backing the statement, the U.S. mission to the United Nations in Geneva declined to provide any comment in response to inquiries.
(Additional reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Ludwig Burger)
