President Biden
accused Russia of “shamelessly violating” the United Nations charter during an address before the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, decrying the war in Ukraine and excoriating Russian President
for hinting that he could use nuclear weapons in the conflict there.
Mr. Biden’s speech at the annual gathering in New York City came after Mr. Putin used a national address Wednesday to raise the potential for a nuclear response in the conflict and ordered reservists to mobilize following losses on the battlefield.
Nearly seven months into the conflict, Ukraine has made gains with a rapid counteroffensive, and Russia has struggled to oppose Ukraine and the West. Mr. Biden sought to rally other countries against Russia, saying: “This world should see these outrageous acts for what they are.”
“Let us speak plainly: A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council invaded its neighbor, attempted to erase the sovereign state from the map. Russia has shamelessly violated the core tenets of the United Nations charter,” Mr. Biden said, referring to the 15-member group that can pass binding resolutions. Russia retains its permanent seat and veto power in the Security Council.
Mr. Biden called the nuclear threats a “reckless disregard for the responsibilities of a nonproliferation regime.”
Calling on the world community to stand against Russia, Mr. Biden said the U.S. would defend the U.N. charter and offered support for increasing the number of permanent and nonpermanent representatives to the Security Council, the U.N.’s most powerful body.
Changing the membership of the Security Council would require, among other things, the agreement of all of its permanent members, which includes Russia. U.S. officials in New York this week reiterated support for the plan to change the U.N. Security Council, while conceding that it would take months to process, if not longer.
Stressing the U.S. efforts to support Ukraine with security and humanitarian assistance, Mr. Biden said the U.S. was working closely with allies to impose costs on Russia.
He added: “If nations can pursue their imperial ambitions without consequences, then we put at risk everything this very institution stands for, everything.”
Mr. Biden also announced $2.9 billion in…
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