News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — In a bold and unexpected diplomatic move, the Maldives, an island nation heavily reliant on tourism, voted against both the United States and Russia on Monday, supporting a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.” The decision placed the Maldives in opposition to the two global powers, which joined 15 other countries in rejecting the measure, despite Russia being the second-largest source of tourists to the Maldives’ pristine resorts.
The resolution, adopted by a majority of 104 member states, sought to advance peace in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, now in its third year. It passed with 104 votes in favor, 17 against, and 15 abstentions, reflecting a broad but not unanimous international consensus.
Russia, which sent over 136,000 visitors to the Maldives in 2024 alone—trailing only China as the top tourism market—found itself at odds with the Maldives’ position, underscoring a rare divergence between economic ties and diplomatic principles.
The Maldives’ vote appears to align with European priorities, particularly those of the European Union, which strongly backed the resolution. This stance contrasts sharply with the nation’s economic dependence on Russian tourists, who contribute nearly a third of its GDP. This move may reflect a strategic pivot toward international norms or solidarity with smaller states, but it raises questions about potential diplomatic or economic repercussions from Moscow.
In South Asia, the Maldives was joined by Bhutan and Nepal in supporting the resolution, signaling a regional alignment among smaller nations. However, larger neighbors India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka abstained, maintaining their customary caution in geopolitical disputes. This divergence within South Asia highlights the Maldives’ willingness to take a distinct position, even among peers.
Among the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Maldives stood out as one of several to vote in favor, alongside nations like Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Comoros. Most OIC countries, including major players such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, abstained. A smaller group—Sudan, Syria, and Türkiye—joined the U.S., Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and 13 others in opposing the resolution, forming a bloc of dissenters that included some of the world’s most polarized actors.
The U.S. and Russia’s opposition reflects their divergent stances on the Ukraine conflict. Under President Donald Trump, who has shifted away from his predecessor’s pro-Ukraine position since taking office in January, the U.S. has pushed for a more neutral approach, avoiding explicit condemnation of Russian actions.
Russia, meanwhile, continues to defend its actions in Ukraine as a response to perceived threats to its territory. The resolution’s strong support from European nations and others underscores the persistent global rift over the conflict, now entering its fourth year.
For the Maldives, the vote could have long-term implications. With Russia’s tourist flow critical to its economy, Male’ may face diplomatic tensions or economic fallout. Yet, the government’s decision to disengage diplomatically with Russia, as evidenced by this vote and its earlier activities, suggests a calculated risk to prioritize international alignment over immediate economic concerns.
As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the Maldives’ stance against the U.S. and Russia marks a significant moment, reinforcing its agency as a small state on the global stage.
