Calling for Support for Ukraine at the UN, President Biden: Russia Believes the World Will Allow Brutal Actions

President Joe Biden at the UN General Assembly. (Twitter/@White House)

JAKARTA - United States President Joe Biden appealed to world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to support Ukraine against the Russian invaders.

"Russia believes that the world will grow tired and allow it to carry out brutal actions against Ukraine without any consequences," said President Biden in his speech, reported by Reuters, September 20.

"If we allow Ukraine to be divided, will the independence of any country be safe?" asked President Biden.

President Biden said the United States and its allies would support Ukraine's fight for freedom.

"Russia itself bears responsibility for this war. Russia alone has the power to immediately end this war," he stressed.

In his speech, President Biden said Russia's invasion of Ukraine and occupation of the region in February 2022 violated the UN Charter, the main principle of which is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

His remarks echoed those of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who in his opening speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday said Russia's invasion "has caused horror."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attending the UN General Assembly in person for the first time since the invasion, praised President Biden's remarks.

Apart from attending the UN General Assembly, he is expected to visit President Biden at the White House on Thursday and also meet with several congressional leaders.

The United States itself is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine to coincide with President Zelensky's visit, and Congress has been asked to approve billions of dollars more in security aid for the rest of the year.

"We believe there will be bipartisan support for this. I think President Zelensky is doing the same thing," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters.