Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilisation of 300,000 troops, US President Joe Biden delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, September 21, in New York. The US President launched a scathing attack against his Russian counterpart, and advocated for reforms in the United Nations. Let’s take a look at the highlights of Biden’s speech on Wednesday.

Biden accuses Putin of seeking conflict

Biden urged the world to take note of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent partial mobilisation of 300,000 troops, only hours before his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

“The world should see these outrageous acts for what they are,” Biden said, referring to Putin’s partial military mobilization and nuclear threat.

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Biden also added that while Russian President Vladimir Putin said his decision of partial mobilisation was because of the threat his country was facing, it was Russia who went looking for trouble

“Putin claims he had to act because Russia was threatened. But no one threatened Russia. And no one other than Russia sought conflict,” the US President said.

Biden says Russia violated United Nations charter

In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, US President Joe Biden accused Russia of violating the UN charter by invading Ukraine, a neighbouring country and attempting to erase a sovereign country from the global map. 

“A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council invaded its neighbor, attempted to erase the sovereign state from the map,” Biden said.

“Russia has shamelessly violated the core tenants of the United Nations Charter,” he added.

On allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon

Joe Biden also spoke about Iran’s ambition of obtaining nuclear status. In his speech, Biden said that the United States will not allow the Asian country to acquire a nuclear weapon since negotiations for reviving a nuclear deal have not made significant progress recently.

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“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,” he quipped.

On expansion of the United Nations Security Council

Biden advocated for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as he maintained that permanent members should not be using veto powers except from rare circumstances.

“The United States supports increasing the number of both permanent and non-permanent (UNSC members)” Biden said.

According to Biden, the effectiveness of the UNSC has gone down because of regular exercise of veto powers. Russia has regularly vetoed against UNSC resolutions concerning Ukraine.

Announcing $2.9 billion for global food security

The US President announced an additional $2.9 billion for worldwide food security during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He also accused Russia for the food shortages around the world and reiterated that the crisis has only increased because of the Ukraine war.

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“Russia in the meantime 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 quipped. 

“It’s Russia’s war that is worsening food insecurity, and only Russia can end it.”

The US President also urged all countries from banning exporting food or stockpiling food. “We’re calling on all countries to refrain from banning food exports or hoarding grain while so many people are suffering,” he said.