Biden accuses Russia of wanting to “erase” Ukraine from map

United Nations, Sep 21 (EFE).- United States President Joe Biden accused Russia on Wednesday of wanting to “erase” Ukraine from the map.

“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,” Biden said in his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Russia had “shamelessly violated” the core tenets of the UN charter, he said.

“President Putin has made overt nuclear threats against Europe, and a reckless disregard for the responsibilities of a non-proliferation regime. Now Russia is calling up more soldiers to join the fight, and the Kremlin is organizing a sham referendum to try to annex parts of Ukraine – an extremely significant violation of the UN charter,” the US leader said.

“This world should see these outrageous acts for what they are,” Biden said.

He again blamed Russia for the global food crisis while encouraging the extension of the UN-backed deal between Moscow and Kyiv that allowed the resumption of grain exports from Black Sea ports.

“It’s Russia’s war that is worsening food insecurity, and only Russia can end it,” Biden said, adding that Washington plans to donate an additional $2.9 billion for efforts to enhance food security.

The US president also called on world leaders to recommit to the nuclear nonproliferation regime, citing concerns heightened by the actions not only of Russia, but also of North Korea, China and Iran.

“No matter what else is happening in the world, the United States is ready to pursue critical arms control measures. A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought,” he said.

“The nonproliferation regime is one of the greatest successes of this institution. We cannot let the world now slide backwards,” Biden said. EFE bpm/mp