In an impassioned address before the United Nations, President Joe Biden urged the world to stand with Ukraine in its defense against Russia, emphasizing the need to deter potential aggressors. “The world must confront naked aggression today to deter potential aggressors of tomorrow,” stated Biden at the outset of the UN General Assembly’s debate in New York, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Biden stressed the unity of the 193 UN member nations, underscoring, “If we allow Ukraine to be torn apart, is the independence of any nation secure? The answer is no.” The world’s largest diplomatic gathering comes at a time when the conflict in Ukraine has endured for over a year and a half, and fatigue regarding support for Kiev is setting in some parts of the world.
Polish President Also Issues a Warning
Biden cautioned against succumbing to this fatigue, stating, “Russia believes the world is growing weary and will allow it to brutalize Ukraine without consequences.” However, if international fundamental principles are abandoned to appease an aggressor, “can any member state feel secure that they are protected?” Polish President Andrzej Duda also issued a warning in light of the neighboring conflict: “Today, Ukraine is the victim. Tomorrow, it could be any one of us.”
Notably absent from Biden’s speech was any mention of concerns about a potential Chinese incursion into Taiwan, a democratic island that Beijing considers part of its territory. Biden reiterated the United States’ position of not seeking conflict with China.
Zelensky’s Presence in New York
Zelensky, clad in an olive green military-style polo shirt during the general debate, arrived in New York a day prior for the first time since Russia’s aggressive invasion of his country in February 2022. Shortly after his arrival with his wife Olena Zelenska, Zelensky visited a hospital in the Staten Island district, where wounded Ukrainian soldiers are receiving treatment.
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He is set to deliver several crucial speeches at the United Nations along Manhattan’s East River. The 45-year-old was expected to advocate for support in the war against Russia, outline his conditions for peace, and present Kiev’s proposals for a war crimes tribunal. Zelensky recently participated in several summits – G7, NATO, EU. The UN General Assembly provides the largest platform for him and is viewed as a significant opportunity for the Ukrainian leader to persuade skeptical nations of his approach.
Pursuing Equal Cooperation
Nevertheless, numerous countries, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, are eager to see greater attention given to their issues, aligning with the primary focus of the United Nations: fostering new cooperation on an equal footing between industrialized and developing nations. Biden also advocated for providing economically weaker countries more influence and weight in international organizations.
Many leaders from the Global South express a desire for peace in Ukraine, evident in Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s mediation efforts, which he highlighted in the General Assembly. Amidst his concerns about climate change’s impacts, Lula stressed the importance of peace talks for Ukraine. “We do not underestimate the challenges of achieving peace. However, no solution will endure without dialogue,” he emphasized. Lula had previously conveyed in an interview that the war in Ukraine is wearing down humanity.
Zelensky’s Potential Meeting with Lavrov
In the upcoming days, Zelensky and the conflict in Ukraine are expected to continue dominating the diplomatic discussions in New York. On Wednesday, the most influential UN body, the 15-member Security Council, is scheduled to convene. During this meeting, the Ukrainian president could potentially meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the first time since Russia’s invasion.
Amidst the weariness from the ongoing conflict, Zelensky must convincingly articulate his reasons for presently rejecting talks with Russia. It remains uncertain how he will respond to expectations, particularly from the so-called Global South, to de-escalate the war.
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