In his final address to the United Nations, President Biden took the opportunity to reflect on significant aspects of his administration, particularly his commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s invasion. He highlighted this support as a cornerstone of his foreign policy, underscoring how the United States and its NATO allies have worked together to “ensure the survival of Ukraine as a free nation.” This point was not only a celebration of international cooperation but also a reminder of the stakes involved in the ongoing conflict.
Biden’s speech, lasting just over 20 minutes, was structured around the various challenges he has faced during his nearly four years in office. He touched on a wide array of issues, from economic recovery to climate change, emphasizing the importance of a united response to global threats. However, he notably refrained from offering a detailed self-assessment regarding his efforts to promote democracy over autocracy, which he has previously identified as a fundamental challenge of his presidency. This omission may reflect the complexities and ongoing struggles associated with this objective.
While Biden expressed confidence in the resilience of Ukraine, he also conveyed a sense of urgency and caution, acknowledging that Ukraine’s capacity to fend off Russian aggression could be fragile. He urged the international community not to grow weary or distracted by the challenges, emphasizing the need for sustained commitment and support for Ukraine. “We cannot grow weary, we cannot look away,” he declared, suggesting that this moment is critical not just for Ukraine, but for the future of democratic values worldwide.
This address may serve as Biden’s last significant opportunity to rally global support for Ukraine and to reinforce the idea that the fight against authoritarianism is a collective responsibility. His remarks reflect a deep awareness of the geopolitical landscape, where the consequences of isolationism and disengagement could undermine the progress made during his administration and pose risks to global stability. In essence, Biden’s speech was a call to action, urging leaders around the world to remain vigilant and united in the face of rising autocratic threats.
On Thursday, President Biden is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, facing renewed pressure to permit Ukraine to use American long-range missiles for strikes deep within Russian territory. Biden has been hesitant about this move, concerned that it could escalate tensions and draw the U.S. into direct conflict with Russia, one of its two primary nuclear-armed adversaries.
In the context of the U.N. General Assembly, while Zelensky will address the gathering, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending; instead, Russia will be represented by its foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov. Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be absent. This means that two of the major powers challenging U.S. influence during Biden’s presidency will have limited representation at the event.
Biden’s address took on a reflective tone, as he looked back on his 50 years of public service and the lessons learned along the way. He expressed optimism, noting that “things can get better,” citing examples such as the recovery from the Vietnam War and the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, he also recognized the urgency of his remaining time in office, acknowledging that he has only a few months left to address pressing global challenges. He highlighted the risk that his vision for strengthened international alliances could be jeopardized if Donald Trump, his predecessor, returns to power in the upcoming election.
Biden underscored the significance of the current moment, stating, “I truly believe we’re in another inflection point in our history.” He reiterated a theme he has often invoked during his presidency: that the choices made today will shape the future for decades to come. This statement encapsulates his perspective on the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation in addressing both immediate and long-term global issues.
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