'Evil Cannot Be Trusted': Zelensky, Biden Make Case For Global Alliance, Arguing Russia Threatens World Order

Washington D.C./20.09.23/Turan:   U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President  Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday renewed their calls to world leaders to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, telling the UN General Assembly that they have to stand up to Putin's aggression today to "deter other would-be aggressors tomorrow," as Biden put it, TURAN's U.S. correspondent reports from the United Nations.

“Russia believes that the world will grow weary and allow it to brutalize Ukraine without consequence. But I ask you this: If we abandon the core principles of the UN Charter to appease an aggressor, can any member state feel confident that they are protected? If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?," Biden asked.

He went on to answer, "... No. We must stand up to this naked aggression today to deter other would-be aggressors tomorrow."

Biden also rallied the world’s democracies against autocracies, saying that the United States seeks a more secure, more prosperous, more equitable world for all people, because we know our future is bound up with yours.”

Biden’s address was mostly focused on the needs of developing countries, while vowing to reform global institutions like the World Bank and the UN to "better reflect" a changing world.

It’s a message Zelenskyy also picked up in his remarks a few hours later, where he made several overtures to developing countries, condemning Moscow’s decision to exit the Black Sea Grain Initiative, saying that it amounted to a weaponization of food. He also criticized the Kremlin for using energy as a weapon and for its efforts to “turn other countries’ power plants into real dirty bombs,” pointing to Russia’s attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelenskyy also honed in on Russia’s history of provocations toward neighboring countries, making one thing clear to potentially vulnerable nations: Russia can hurt you, too, if Ukraine loses.

“Each decade, Russia starts a new war... Many seats in the General Assembly hall may become empty if Russia succeeds with its treachery and aggression... We have to stop it. We must act united to defeat the aggressor," he said. "Evil cannot be trusted, just ask Prigozhin," he continued.

There is also a peace summit in the works, Zelensky added, and invited his audience to attend. He ended his speech with hopes that Russia's war will be the last in the world, saying "Slava Ukraini" as he left the stage.

Biden and Zelenskyy are set to meet at the White House on Thursday while Zelensky isl also planning to address U.S. Senators and meet with congressional leadership, as Congress considers new aid to Ukraine that is vital to keep his country in the fight.

Alex Raufoglu