U.S. Refuses to Sign WTO Statement Condemning Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine for the First Time

For the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the United States has opted not to sign a statement from members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) condemning Russia’s actions, Reuters reported on February 26.

According to Reuters, citing an unnamed diplomat and trade representative in Geneva, the statement was signed by 44 WTO members, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ukraine. The document highlights concerns over the ongoing impact of the war on Ukraine’s economy and global trade.

The signatories expressed deep concern over the war’s disruption of key supply chains, particularly in agriculture, food production, fertilizers, and critical minerals. They emphasized the need to address the economic consequences of the Russia’s war against Ukraine, which continue to affect international markets.

“We are gravely concerned about the consequences of this destruction for Ukraine and for global trade, particularly regarding the supply of agricultural products, fertilizers, and minerals from Ukraine to international markets,” the WTO members stated.

Previously, it was reported that The United Nations Security Council passed a U.S.-proposed resolution calling for an end to the war in Ukraine, but without explicitly mentioning Russia’s role.