UN General Assembly: Biden hold Russia accountable for attempting to annihilate “Ukraine’s right to exist as a state

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly the second day of the general debate, US President Biden stated that the world has seen “tremendous upheaval” in the last year, including “a cruel, unnecessary conflict, a war chosen by one man,” Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his remarks, Biden urged other international leaders to hold Russia accountable for attempting to annihilate “Ukraine’s right to exist as a state.” Biden also urged for the United Nations Security Council to be expanded, promised fresh US aid to combat rising global food prices, and vowed that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons.

Against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine

President Biden declared at the United Governments on Wednesday that Russia’s conflict in Ukraine has “shamelessly violated the core foundations” of the international body, and he urged nations worldwide to remain firm in support of the Ukrainian resistance.

In a vehement denunciation of Russia’s seven-month incursion, Biden stated that accusations of Russian abuses against civilians and efforts to eradicate Ukraine and its culture “should make your blood run cold.” He was referring to President Vladimir Putin’s statement on Wednesday that he had ordered the partial mobilization of reservists, a very unpopular move that provoked protests in Russia. And Biden said Putin’s fresh nuclear threats against Europe demonstrated Russia’s “reckless contempt” for its obligations as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

He chastised Russia for holding “fake referendums” this week in the Ukraine area it had forcibly taken.

“A permanent United Nations Security Council member invaded and attempted to remove a sovereign state from the map.” “Russia has flagrantly violated the key foundations of the United Nations Charter,” he told his UN audience.

Biden urged all nations, democracies and autocracies alike, to speak out against Russia’s “brutal, pointless conflict” and to support Ukraine’s defence efforts. He charged the nations with aggressively attempting to keep the peace.

“Members of the U.N. Security Council, including the United States, should consistently uphold and defend the U.N. Charter and refrain from using the veto, except in rare, extraordinary situations, to ensure that the Council remains credible and effective”.

“We will stand in solidarity against Russia’s aggression, period,” Biden said.

Biden also emphasized the invasion’s impact on the world’s food supply, promising $2.9 billion in global food security to help alleviate shortages caused by the war and the effects of climate change. He applauded a United Nations-brokered initiative to establish a sea route for Ukrainian grain exports and urged that the arrangement be maintained despite the ongoing violence.

Biden met with Secretary-General António Guterres before his first meeting with new British Prime Minister Liz Truss and a separate huddle with French President Emmanuel Macron at the United Nations General Assembly.

He was also anticipated to encourage governments to fulfil an $18 billion target for replenishing the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, reiterating the United States’ $6 billion commitment to that aim. This was reflected in his declaration, which covered addressing the food crisis, increasing global health, and global economics, and stating, “That’s why the United States has championed a global minimum tax.” And we will seek to ensure that major corporations pay their fair share everywhere – everywhere.”