Biden Condemns "Putin's Cruelty" Over Russian Missile Attacks... UN General Assembly Also Held

On the 10th (local time), a fire broke out in downtown Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, due to a missile attack by Russian forces. 2022.10.10 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden condemned Russia's indiscriminate missile attacks on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and other parts of Ukraine on the 10th (local time), saying, "Mr. Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin) once again shows the brutality of the illegal war he started against the Ukrainian people."

In a statement that day, President Biden said, "The missile attacks caused civilian casualties and injuries, and non-military targets were destroyed," adding, "We again urge Russia to cease its unjustified hostile acts and withdraw its forces from Ukraine."

He emphasized, "Together with our allies and partners, we will continue to make Russia pay the price for its aggression, hold Putin and Russia accountable for atrocities and war crimes, and provide the Ukrainian military with the support necessary to defend their homeland and freedom." He added, "We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died today without reason and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

The State Department announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that day and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine. Secretary Blinken stated, "Russia is the sole aggressor in this war," emphasizing, "The only person who can end this war now and withdraw Russian troops is Putin." He also repeatedly stressed that the international community must clearly block Russia's actions.

United Nations Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres also criticized Russia's airstrikes as "actions that escalate the crisis and are unacceptable" in a statement issued the same day.

The UN held a General Assembly meeting that afternoon to discuss a resolution condemning Russia's illegal attempts to annex Ukrainian territory. On the 30th of last month, a similar proposal was submitted at a UN Security Council meeting but was vetoed by Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council. The General Assembly, where 193 UN member states each have one vote, does not allow veto power by any country, but unlike Security Council resolutions, it has no legal binding force.

Earlier that day, Russia launched indiscriminate long-range missile attacks on Kyiv and other major strongholds in Ukraine. As a result, more than 11 people nationwide were killed and 64 injured. The number of casualties is feared to increase depending on rescue situations. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Russia's missile strikes damaged 11 major infrastructure sites in Kyiv and eight other regions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.