Biden Condemns Russia, Pledges $2.9 Billion in Global Food Aid in UN Speech

In a speech given before the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Wednesday, President Biden addressed a number of global crises and conflicts, and outlined the framework of the United States foreign policy to meet and curb these threats.

“In the last year, our world has experienced great upheaval,” President Biden stated. “Growing crisis and food insecurity; record heat, floods, droughts, COVID-19, inflation, and a brutal, needless war—a war chosen by one man.”

The speech came only hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization of the country to respond to the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive that has dealt a major blow to Moscow’s efforts. In President Biden’s speech, he again denounced the actions of Russia as an imperialist invasion and a threat to liberty and democracy, accusing the Kremlin of violating the United Nations International Charter. Addressing other ongoing conflicts, the President reaffirmed support for the status-quo regarding the China-Taiwan dispute, encouraging neither side to break from the present system. He also called for a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. Aside from armed conflicts, the President spoke on global food insecurity, pledging $2.9 billion in humanitarian aid. He called for support for Haiti and Pakistan, both of which are grappling with environmental disaster.

Coverage of Biden's speech primarily focused on remarks regarding Russia and the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, as well as its global economic ramifications.