President Biden excoriated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat of a nuclear response in the war in Ukraine, saying in an address before the United Nations General Assembly that “this world should see these outrageous acts for what they are.”
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 has sought to unite countries to support Ukraine and isolate Russia and Mr. Putin.
“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 on the world community to stand against Russia. He said that the U.S. would defend the U.N. charter and offered support for increasing the number of both permanent and nonpermanent representatives to the Security Council, the U.N.’s most powerful body.
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 additional global food security assistance amid food shortages caused in part by the war. And he noted U.S. efforts to combat climate change.
A senior administration official said that the National Security Council had been aware that Mr. Putin might make an announcement. Mr. Biden reviewed his speech Wednesday morning with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan after Mr. Putin spoke earlier Wednesday, and some lines were “adjusted and emphasized,” the official said.
Like many leaders attending the meeting, Mr. Biden was in the U.K. on Monday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. He returned to Washington on Monday evening and traveled to New York on Tuesday night. He will return to Washington on Thursday.
Also on the president’s New York schedule is a meeting with new British Prime Minister Liz Truss, which is expected to focus on economic issues and Ukraine, as well as Mr. Biden’s concerns about upholding the Good Friday peace agreement in Northern Ireland as part of the Brexit deal. Mr. Biden and first lady Jill Biden will also host a reception for world leaders at the American Museum of Natural History.