U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a resounding call to action at the United Nations General Assembly, urging world leaders to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian invaders. In a passionate address, Biden stressed the need for a united front against aggression and expressed hope that his appeal would resonate, not only globally but also with Republican lawmakers in Congress.
“Russia believes that the world will grow weary and allow it to brutalize Ukraine without consequence,” President Biden stated during his speech to the UNGA. He posed a critical question: “If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?”
Biden’s address at the annual UNGA gathering marked the centerpiece of his three-day visit to New York. His agenda included meetings with the leaders of five Central Asian nations, as well as Israel and Brazil.
Supporting Ukraine has been a central tenet of Joe Biden’s foreign policy, with the President arguing that the international community must send a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden’s stance has, however, faced criticism from some Republicans who advocate for reduced U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Former President Donald Trump, the leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has pledged a swift resolution to the war if re-elected. Trump has been vocal about his skepticism regarding Washington’s engagement with traditional allies, including NATO, and has shown appreciation for Putin.
House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a prominent Republican figure, has raised questions about the continued provision of billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine.
In his speech, President Biden underscored that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and its occupation of territory violated the fundamental principles of the U.N. Charter, particularly the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Biden’s remarks echoed those of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who, in his opening address to the UNGA, described Russia’s invasion as unleashing “a nexus of horror.”
Beyond the Ukraine issue, the Biden administration is using U.N. meetings to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development, as well as to address climate change.
A Reuters/Ipsos survey from June indicated solid support among Americans for providing weaponry to Ukraine as a means to defend itself against Russia. Many Americans view such aid as a demonstration of the United States’ commitment to protecting its interests and allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, scheduled to speak at the UNGA, was expected to visit the White House and meet congressional leaders in the coming days. The U.S. is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine to coincide with Zelenskiy’s visit, with Congress being asked to approve additional security assistance for the year.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed confidence in bipartisan support for these initiatives, stating, “We have confidence that there will be bipartisan support for this. I think President Zelenskiy does as well.”
Following his UNGA speech, President Biden was set to engage in discussions with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on various global hot spots. Additionally, he would participate in a summit with the presidents of five Central Asian nations, marking a historic event involving Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
On the agenda for Wednesday, President Biden was scheduled to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and participate in an event with labor leaders from both Brazil and the United States. Biden’s Wednesday schedule also included his first face-to-face meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since Netanyahu’s return to power last December. Sullivan highlighted their intended discussions to outline “a vision for a more stable and prosperous and integrated region” and to collaborate on strategies to counter and deter Iran.
Sources By Agencies
