Biden blames Putin for war against Ukraine during UN speech | USA TODAY

President Joe Biden called out President Vladimir Putin for the war against Ukraine as he pledged support for sovereign nations at United Nations.

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Launching into his impassioned 30-minute speech at the United Nations Wednesday, President Joe Biden accused Russia of having "shamelessly violated" a core tenet of the U.N. charter prohibiting the taking of another country by force.

Everything the U.N. stands for is at risk if Russia can take another nation by force, Biden told the annual gathering of world leaders as Russia takes steps to rebuild its military.

"Wherever you are, wherever you live, whatever you believe," Biden said, "that should make your blood run cold."

Speaking days after he angered China by once again promising to come to Taiwan's aid if China attacks the self-governing island, Biden said the United States continues "to oppose unilateral changes in the status quo by either side."

Biden’s international stature has been enhanced since his inaugural United Nations address last year, delivered soon after the U.S.’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

But despite the praise he's received for building a coalition of support for Ukraine, he still faces a mountain of international problems – including trying to keep the pressure on Russia as its war against its neighbor grinds on and Europe prepares to survive a winter without Russian gas.

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