Tuesday, US Vice President Joe Biden pleaded with the UN to halt Russia’s “naked aggression” in Ukraine, saying that other nations would be in danger if the international community placated Moscow.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, but not Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, attended the UN General Assembly in New York. Biden said, “We must stand up to this naked aggression today to deter other would-be aggressors tomorrow.”
Applause filled the room as Biden spoke about Ukraine, but he was addressing a group that was absent many important leaders, notably those from France and the US allies Britain and France.
He said that if the world attempts to “appease” Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the UN’s “core principles” of peace and national sovereignty are at jeopardy.
“Ukraine’s submission, its land, and the children of Ukraine are the price Russia pays for peace. According to Biden, Russia hopes that the world will tire of its antics and let it to brutally oppress Ukraine without repercussions.
“If you let Ukraine to be divided up, can any member state of this organization feel secure in their protection? Is any country’s independence firmly established?
“I humbly submit that the response is no.”
Further, Biden said that the US and its allies will “continue to stand with the brave people of Ukraine” in their efforts to drive out Russian troops.
At the conclusion of Biden’s address, Zelensky, who was in the UN hall’s section reserved for the Ukrainian delegation and was wearing his signature khaki shirt, cheered.
On Thursday, the Ukrainian president will go to the White House to ask for additional US assistance and equipment to advance his country’s sluggish counteroffensive.
As Republican resistance to a new $24 billion Ukrainian assistance package grows, Biden’s administration is working to bolster support for it in front of US Congress, where he is also scheduled to speak with members of the body.
Zelensky will speak before the UN General Assembly on Tuesday evening before taking part in a special UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Wednesday.
