Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a fiery speech at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing the United States and the West of fueling conflicts that divide humanity. He criticized their efforts to prevent a genuine multipolar world order and force their own self-centered rules on the world. However, Lavrov notably avoided discussing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Lavrov briefly mentioned historical complaints related to the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the support that the U.S. and Western allies have provided to Ukraine, but he did not address the current fighting in Ukraine. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who spoke earlier in the week, strongly condemned Russia for weaponizing various aspects, including food supplies and nuclear energy, to conquer Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud called for the end of the war in Ukraine and expressed support for an independent state for Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. He also mentioned ongoing talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel, emphasizing the potential for a breakthrough in a peace agreement.
Belarus’ Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik blamed the U.S. and the West for the war in Ukraine, claiming that they have used Ukraine as a pawn to preserve their hegemony. He stated that Belarus has always supported peace in Ukraine and is prepared to do everything in its power to achieve it.
Belize’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration Eamon Courtenay criticized the United States for its treatment of migrants at the southern border and its “illegal” blockade of Cuba. He called for the removal of the blockade and reparations for countries victimized by colonization and slavery.
Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvan Gil Pinto accused the United Nations of not fulfilling its foundational purpose and called for its restructuring. He claimed that the U.N. is often instrumentalized by the U.S. and its allies for their own interests. Pinto also criticized the U.S. for its involvement in territorial disputes and its treatment of Julian Assange and Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab.
Norway’s Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim expressed great concern over Russia’s “war of aggression” in Ukraine, stating that it has violated fundamental principles of international law. She accused Russia of occupying Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, posing a risk of a grave nuclear incident. Tvinnereim highlighted Norway’s support for Ukraine and its commitment to climate goals and sustainable development.
Overall, these speeches at the UN General Assembly reflect the different perspectives and concerns of various countries regarding global conflicts and challenges.
