Biden's Resolute Call at the UN: Unite to Defend Ukraine Against Russian Aggression

President Joe Biden issued a strong plea on Tuesday, urging global leaders to confront Russia's incursion into Ukraine and express unwavering support for President Volodymyr Zelensky and his country, as the conflict approaches its second autumn. Biden emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military are gambling on the notion that international support for Ukraine will wane, therefore stressing the need for United Nations member states to firmly oppose Putin's aggressive actions.

Biden stated that if Ukraine is allowed to be divided, the security of any nation's independence would be compromised. He respectfully argues that it is imperative to confront this blatant aggression now in order to deter potential aggressors in the future.

He further emphasized that the United States, along with its global allies and partners, will persistently support the courageous people of Ukraine in safeguarding their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom.

The annual UN talks are occurring for the second consecutive year amidst the war in Ukraine, making the conflict a key topic for leaders. Although the UN has taken the lead in providing humanitarian assistance during the conflict, it has not intervened as a mediator in the war. Biden plans to meet with Zelensky later this week in Washington, who was present during Biden's speech on Tuesday.

"In this gathering, which focuses on promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts, we once again find ourselves under the cloud of war. A war of aggression, initiated without any provocation, against our neighbor Ukraine," stated Biden.

He remarked, "This war is solely Russia's responsibility. Only Russia possesses the ability to cease this war promptly. Moreover, it is Russia alone that obstructs peace."

Biden reiterated a topic that he often emphasizes in his public speeches - the prospects of democracy worldwide. The president frequently presents the core focus of his administration as the clash between democracy and autocracy. Just a day after delivering a scathing speech at a fundraiser, where he strongly criticized his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, and cautioned about Trump's intentions to "terminate democracy," Biden stressed the significance of democratic establishments.

"We are committed to upholding democracy as our most effective means of addressing global challenges. We are actively working to demonstrate the tangible benefits of democracy in improving people's lives," he stated, highlighting our global infrastructure partnerships and investments in low and middle income nations.

While the president often cites China as a prime example of this comparison, he aimed to adopt a more diplomatic stance on the US-China relationship at the UN. Expressing his desire for healthy competition rather than conflict."

Biden says US future is tied to other nations

This year, leaders are facing demands for attention from the nations of the "global south." These nations have observed with doubt as the West focuses its attention and resources on Ukraine, overlooking their own crises.

On Wednesday, President Biden will meet with Brazil's President Lula da Silva to address labor concerns, and he will also meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom Biden has had disagreements regarding the country's contentious judicial reform proposal.

Biden and Netanyahu will discuss various bilateral and regional topics, emphasizing the democratic values shared by both countries and a vision for a more stable, prosperous, and interconnected region. They will also exchange information on effectively countering and deterring Iran.

However, due to the absence of senior officials from Russia, China, France, and the UK – all permanent members of the UN Security Council – the Biden administration will engage with key allies and adversaries at lower levels. Their goal is to raise the United States' perspective on global infrastructure, food security, democratic values, and territorial sovereignty.

Reaffirming his conviction that the world is currently experiencing a pivotal moment in history, Biden expressed to the assembly, "In my role as the President of the United States, I recognize the responsibility my country bears in guiding this crucial juncture."

Biden commended his administration's endeavors in combatting the climate crisis, which encompassed allocating resources towards renewable energy, providing climate-related funding to developing nations, and progressing towards fulfilling the climate finance commitment laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement. Nevertheless, he emphasized the necessity for further investments from both the public and private sectors.

The United States is aiming to counter Russia and China's authoritarian influence by joining forces with the presidents of five Central Asian nations - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. On Tuesday, Biden will participate in the "first-ever C5+1 presidential summit" where regional security, trade and connectivity, climate, and governance and rule of law reforms will be discussed. Biden emphasized the importance of a secure, prosperous, and equitable world, stating that no country can tackle today's challenges alone.

Questions over UNs effectiveness

The Biden administration faces a significant challenge in attracting attention and generating headlines for its foreign policy objectives. This is due to the phenomenon of forum fatigue, as world leaders convene for various summits, such as the G20 meeting, the BRICs summit, the APEC gathering focusing on Indo-Pacific policy, and the climate-focused COP28 discussion, all occurring in a remarkably condensed calendar. Consequently, the urgency of conversations taking place in New York is somewhat diminished.

"There has always been a prevailing notion that if the UN fails to meet your demands, you seek alternatives," remarked Marti Flacks, the Director of the Human Rights Initiative at the Council on Strategic and International Studies. "There is a noticeable increase in initiatives spearheaded by countries like China, which directly rival those led by the United States. Consequently, there is a perception that these alternative initiatives are gaining momentum."

However, Biden emphasized the significance of the organization in confronting emerging obstacles.

"We recognize the need to update our long-standing institutions and approaches in order to meet the challenges of today's world. It is crucial to incorporate more diverse leadership and expertise from regions that have not always been fully included. Our goal is to ensure that we deliver for people everywhere. This process begins with the United Nations - right here," he stated.

However, there are areas where the administration acknowledges that progress may be difficult to achieve. According to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, he is not optimistic about the ability of UN leadership and partner countries to make progress in reinstating the Black Sea grain initiative. This is despite meetings held by UN Secretary General António Guterres with Zelensky and other partners in New York this week.

"We are aware of the diligent efforts of the Turks and Guterres," Sullivan informed reporters. "However, the Russians are currently not providing us with much reason for optimism."

This matter brings up the larger issue of the effectiveness of the United Nations, as Russia continues to be a member of the United Nations Security Council, despite repeated calls from the council to cease the conflict in Ukraine. Thomas-Greenfield mentioned that the US is collaborating closely with Ukrainians to meticulously document war crimes and atrocities for the purpose of "future prosecution." Nevertheless, it remains uncertain when such a tribunal would actually occur.

Furthermore, Biden entreated the UN to establish fresh alliances and tackle emerging technological dilemmas like artificial intelligence. He emphasized that these technologies hold immense promise and grave risks.

"We must overcome the impasse that frequently obstructs advancement and obstructs agreement within the council. We require a greater diversity of opinions and perspectives at the forefront. The United Nations must persist in safeguarding peace, averting conflicts, and mitigating human distress. Moreover, we welcome countries seizing the opportunity to pioneer innovative solutions for challenging problems," he stated.