President Biden slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday for making “overt nuclear threats” amid his war on Ukraine — and accused Moscow of “shamelessly” violating the core tenets of membership in the United Nations.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Biden delivered a full-throated condemnation of Russia just hours after Putin ordered a partial mobilization of 300,000 reservists and accused the West of “nuclear blackmail.”
“Just today, President Putin has made overt nuclear threats against Europe and a reckless disregard for the responsibilities of the non-proliferation regime. Now Russia is calling up more soldiers to join the fight,” Biden said, adding the Kremlin was also organizing a “sham referendum” to annex parts of Ukraine.
“The world should see these outrageous acts for what they are. Putin claims he had to act because Russia was threatened, but no one threatened Russia and no one other than Russia sought conflict.”
Biden also accused Russia of violating the core tenets of the United Nations Charter by waging its “brutal, needless war” against Ukraine.
“This war is about extinguishing Ukraine’s right to exist as a state, plain and simple, and Ukraine’s right to exist as a people,” Biden said. “Whoever you are, wherever you live, whatever you believe, that … should make your blood run cold.”
President Biden used his UN address Wednesday to deliver a full-throated condemnation of Russia just hours after Putin ordered a partial mobilization of 300,000 reservists. AP
“This war is about extinguishing Ukraine’s right to exist as a state, plain and simple,” Biden told the UN. AFP via Getty ImagesAs he lambasted Putin for “making irresponsible nuclear threats,” Biden warned that a “nuclear war cannot be won, and must never be fought.”
Earlier, Putin had delivered his own national address warning that he would use all the means available to protect Russia’s territory.
“When the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal,” Putin said, adding, “It’s not a bluff.”
After delivering his remarks, Biden told reporters he had no other reaction to Putin’s remarks — insisting it was all in his speech.
Asked if he had anything else to add, Biden responded: “Nope.”
Meanwhile, Biden vowed in his address to continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine as he sought to rally allies to stand firm in backing the Ukrainian resistance.
“Like you, the United States wants this war to end on just terms, on terms we all signed up for, that you cannot seize a nation’s territory by force,” Biden said.
“The only country standing in the way of that is Russia, so we, each of us in this body, we determine to uphold the principles and beliefs we pledge to defend as members of the United Nations, must be clear, firm and unwavering in our resolve.”
He added: “Ukraine has the same rights that belong to every sovereign nation. We will stand in solidarity with Ukraine, we will stand in solidarity against Russia’s aggression, period.”
lyubov Prokofjevna, 85, speaks on the phone in her damaged apartment at a residential building hit by a missile in Kharkiv. AFP via Getty Images
Vladimir Putin recently mobilized 300,000 reservists. APElsewhere in his UN address, Biden blamed Russia for the ongoing global food crisis — as he pledged $2.9 billion in global food security aid to address the shortages caused by the war and effects of climate change.
“Russia … is pumping out lies, trying to pin the blame for the crisis — the food crisis — on the sanctions imposed by many in the world for the aggression against Ukraine,” Biden said.
“So let me be perfectly clear about something: Our sanctions explicitly allow, explicitly allow, Russia the ability to export food and fertilizer. No limitation.”
He added: “It’s Russia’s war that is worsening food insecurity, and only Russia can end it.”
The United Nations has said the war has pushed another 47 million people into “acute hunger.”
1. Lyman: A strategically important town in the northern portion of Donetsk, Lyman and its outskirts have been the site of intense fighting for over a week. 2. Lysychansk: Occupying the high ground on the west bank of the Siversky Donets River, Lysychansk was the Ukrainian army’s last holdout in the Luhansk province before it was overrun in July. Ukrainian forces are now estimated to be within 10 miles of retaking the city. 3. Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Europe’s largest power plant is effectively on the front line of the conflict — and in constant danger of being caught in the crossfire, according to a UN report 4. Melitopol: The largest city in the Russian-occupied portion of the Zaporizhzhia province, Melitopol has been a hotbed of Ukrainian guerrilla activity and attacks on occupation authorities.
Ukrainian artillerymen fire along the front line at an unknown location in Ukraine. General Staff of the Armed ForceWhile the spotlight was on Ukraine during this year’s UN gathering, another priority was the Biden administration’s stalled attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal.
Brokered by President Barack Obama in 2015 and scrapped by President Donald Trump three years later, the agreement provided billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for Iran’s agreement to dismantle much of its nuclear program.
“While the United States is prepared for a mutual return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action if Iran steps up to its obligations, the United States is clear: We will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon,” Biden told the assembly.
Earlier, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took a defiant tone during his own address, demanding guarantees the US wouldn’t abandon any revived nuclear deal.
“We have before us the experience of America’s withdrawal from the (deal),” Raisi said. “With that experience and this perspective, can we ignore the important issue of guarantees for a durable agreement?”
People receive water as humanitarian aid in the recently retaken area of Izyum, Ukraine, on Monday. APBiden also reiterated his support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, saying the US was committed to Israel’s security and giving the Palestinians the state they are “entitled” to.
“We will continue to advocate for lasting negotiated peace between the Jewish and democratic state of Israel and the Palestinian people,” Biden said.
“The United States is committed to Israel’s security, full stop. And a negotiated two-state solution remains, in our view, the best way to ensure Israel’s security and prosperity for the future and give the Palestinians the state to which they are entitled.”
Biden added: “Both sides fully respect for equal rights of their citizens. Both people can enjoy an equal measure of freedom and dignity.”
The General Assembly is also confronted this year by threats of a major recession in Europe and continued strife between China and Taiwan.
