In his statement to the UN, Biden expresses support for Ukraine

In a high-profile UN speech on Tuesday, President Joe Biden defended American leadership abroad and reiterated U.S. support for Ukraine as the 2024 presidential election approaches.

"The United States seeks a more secure, more prosperous, more equitable world for all people, because we know our future is bound to yours," Biden said, emphasizing global cooperation. "Repeat that. We realize our future depends on you. No nation can face today's issues alone."

The president's Tuesday UN General Assembly speech covered climate change, AI, UN Security Council expansion, "Global South" investment, and more.

"We gather once more at an inflection point in world history," Biden stated. "I understand my country's critical duty."

As president of the United States, I understand the duty my country has to lead this critical moment, to work with countries in every region to unite them in common cause, and to join together with partners who share a common vision of the future of the world, where our children do not go hungry and everyone has access to quality health care, where workers are empowered and our environment is protected, and where entrepreneurs and innovators everywhere

Biden concluded his speech by criticizing Russia for a "illegal war of conquest brought without provocation."

"No nation wants this war to end more than Ukraine," stated the president. "We fully back Ukraine's diplomatic efforts to achieve just and sustainable peace. Only Russia is responsible for this war."

Biden said United Nations Charter sovereignty and territorial integrity are essential, and supporting Ukraine is an investment in those principles for all nations.

"If we divide Ukraine, is any nation's independence secure?" Biden asks. "I sincerely suggest no. Today, we must resist this open hostility and prevent future aggressors."

"That's why the United States, together with our allies and partners around the world, will continue to stand with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom," he said, to cheers.

On Tuesday in New York, Biden will meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and five Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, administration sources said.