UN speech shows Biden continuing to champion Ukraine

Significance

He reasserted the US commitment to the liberal international order that had been challenged by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The president focused on the need for cooperation to tackle international challenges, including climate change, global prosperity, human rights and arms control, while linking support for Ukraine to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity central to the UN Charter.

Impacts

• Washington will have little success in seeking UN reform unless it can generate more goodwill among other members.
• Beyond providing a platform for rhetorical condemnations of Russian action, the UN will not be a major vehicle for supporting Ukraine.
• Biden’s commitments to multilateral organisations will be opposed by the Republican right and may be in jeopardy after the 2024 elections.