Zelensky warns of global risks of Russian aggression
Speaking at an annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, presented Russia’s invasion as a worldwide threat that would not stop at the borders of Ukraine. He added that Russia was weaponizing essentials like food and energy “not only against our country, but against all of yours, as well.”
President Biden also condemned Russia’s “naked aggression” and said the U.S. would continue to stand with the “brave people of Ukraine.” If the world appeases Russia, he asked, “can any member state in this body feel confident that they are protected? If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?”
Unity is a frequent theme for the General Assembly, when the leaders and representatives of nearly 200 nations gather. But the world has become increasingly polarized: Russia’s war against Ukraine is pitting Moscow against the U.S. and its allies, while tensions between China and the United States are rising.
More weapons: As Zelensky spoke in New York City, defense ministers and other top officials met in Ramstein, Germany, to discuss providing military aid to Ukraine. The U.S. defense secretary said that Abrams battle tanks will arrive soon, bringing a powerful weapon to help Ukraine advance in its slow-moving counteroffensive.
Also at the General Assembly:
Tensions rise between Canada and India
Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, this week accused India of being involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen in June, causing an all-out diplomatic war, prompting vehement denials from India and leading to the expulsion of diplomats of both countries.
Yesterday, Trudeau firmly rejected the Indian government’s denial of any involvement in the assassination and pressed his allies to come together to challenge India. “We are not looking to provoke or escalate,” he said. “We are simply laying out the facts as we understand them, and we want to work with the government of India.”
Background: Years of diplomatic tension are behind the rapid plunge in relations. In New Delhi’s eyes, Western nations — most notably Canada — have stood by idly as extremist Sikh groups, including the one led by the slain Canadian citizen, have supported a secessionist cause that threatens the Indian state.
Azerbaijan begins military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh
Azerbaijan said it had launched a military operation in the Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, killing 25 people and raising fears of an expanding conflict in a fragile region in which the interests of Russia, Turkey and Western countries are increasingly colliding.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry issued what appeared to be an ultimatum, declaring that only the “dissolution” of the unrecognized pro-Armenian government in the area would “achieve peace and stability.” The breakaway authorities asked Azerbaijan’s leaders in Baku, the capital, to cease hostilities and begin talks. Azerbaijan responded by calling on the breakaway government to give up arms and dissolve itself by raising a white flag.
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Around the World
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The British balladeer Roger Whittaker, who filled concert halls in Europe and America, selling as many as 60 million albums, has died at 87.
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ARTS AND IDEAS
All quiet on set
Big Hollywood productions have long brought money and prestige to British film crews, and a record 6.3 billion pounds ($7.8 billion) was spent on film and high-end TV productions in Britain last year, according to the British Film Institute. Nearly 90 percent came from American studios or other foreign productions.
Now a downside has become apparent: When Hollywood goes on strike, the work also stops on the other side of the Atlantic. “We depend so much on U.S. studio-based productions for our work,” said Charlotte Sewell, a costume designer in London.