Editors Note: Michael Bociurkiw (@WorldAffairsPro), a global affairs analyst currently residing in Odesa, delivers an impassioned speech displaying a mixture of Joe Biden's renowned statesmanship and a grave warning about the potential devastating impact of mindless and unprovoked aggression, should the world choose to ignore it.
Michael Bociurkiw
President Biden's address to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday highlighted an important message - the preservation of the rules-based international order is paramount. Failure to confront and restrain the actions of malevolent individuals and dictators would render all other concerns irrelevant.
If Russia manages to escape punishment for its aggression in Ukraine and if global leaders ignore the situation and let the rules-based system collapse, progress on climate change, poverty reduction, and other important matters will be impossible.
Biden's message became even more powerful as the 2024 US election campaign begins, creating a sense that the potential comeback of the disruptive former President Donald Trump may be approaching. The president's speech also served as a reminder that time is running out for the civilized world.
Biden reiterated his previous statements made at the 2021 UN General Assembly, emphasizing that the world is currently at a crucial turning point. He highlighted ongoing issues such as the alarming impact of climate change, insufficient progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing poverty, education, and health, as well as the uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence. Biden stressed the importance of increasing efforts to meet the SDGs by 2030, as they are currently significantly behind schedule.
Furthermore, Biden did not shy away from discussing the severe consequences of Russian aggression.
Biden stated that if we allow Ukraine to be divided, the independence of any nation cannot be guaranteed. He emphasized the need to confront this blatant aggression and deter potential aggressors in the future. Meanwhile, President Zelensky of Ukraine was observed attentively listening to Biden's speech and applauded his commitment to support. Biden reaffirmed that the United States, along with its global allies and partners, will continue to stand with the courageous people of Ukraine to safeguard their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom.
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Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the President of Ukraine, joins in applauding Joe Biden, the President of the United States, at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 19. The audience includes members of the Ukrainian and US delegations, such as John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State.
In a CBS News interview aired on Sunday, just before his departure to the US, Zelensky expressed frustration with the sluggishness of western military aid and concern over Moscow's potential attempts to delay the war until the next US election. He feared that a change in US leadership might result in an unfavorable outcome for Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Zelensky addressed the assembly, accompanied by his wife, Olena, as well as Russias deputy UN ambassador, Dimitry Polyanskiy, who was seen taking notes and smirking. Zelensky emphasized that the West should not underestimate Russias aggressive actions. He stated, "The current war against Ukraine aims to weaponize our land, people, lives, and resources against the rules-based international order and against you."
During an interview with CNNs Wolf Blitzer, Zelensky challenged Trump to present his ideas for ending the war in Ukraine, highlighting the potential to prevent further bloodshed. However, there is concern among Ukrainians that Trump's plan could come at a significant cost, potentially leading to the permanent loss of Crimea. Zelensky firmly restated his commitment to not concede any territory.
Notable no-shows and deft US diplomacy
The annual diplomatic event is taking place for the second time after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The absence of the leaders from the UK, France, China, Russia, and the Indian prime minister indicates a growing sentiment among governments that the United Nations is no longer effective in preventing conflicts. Both British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for their absence.
The absence of significant players at the gathering was downplayed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who emphasized that it was not intended to be a Vanity Fair session. Similar to the G20 summit in India recently, where the leaders of China and Russia were absent, this provided an opportunity for the White House to demonstrate polished diplomacy.
Absence of four P-5 leaders didn't hinder Biden from strategically engaging with leaders in the UNGA who are believed to be under Moscow's influence. Biden skillfully utilized the opportunity to establish relationships with the former Soviet republics in Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This culminated in a groundbreaking presidential summit known as C5+1. These nations, apart from their abundant energy and mineral resources, also share alliances with China and Russia. The Kremlin will undoubtedly take notice if the Biden administration makes any effort to strengthen these relationships. Stay informed with our free weekly newsletter.
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The president's efforts to engage with the Global South group of nations, as demonstrated at the G20 summit where he expressed support for a trade route connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe, were further emphasized by his commitment to ensure no nation is left behind. Biden underscored the fact that in today's world, no country can confront the present challenges on its own.
This message is likely to be warmly welcomed by developing countries and smaller states who often voice their concerns about shouldering the adverse consequences of climate change, which is predominantly caused by wealthier nations. However, these countries often lack the financial resources to mitigate or reverse the impacts of global warming.
Biden's ability to capitalize on the absence of other global leaders appears to be paying off, granting him a more prominent platform to voice his message. The crucial query, however, is whether his cautions will be acknowledged or disregarded.
