U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Calls for Collective Action Against Russia's Actions in Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

In a transcript of an interview on September 20, 2022, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for collective action against Russia's actions in Ukraine. Speaking to CBS News' Pamela Falk, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield condemned Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, calling for the country to pull its troops out and end the unprovoked conflict. She also highlighted the importance of the One China policy and the U.S. defense of Taiwan's right to exist.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. will continue to condemn and isolate Russia for its actions in Ukraine, with a meeting scheduled on Thursday in the Security Council where Lavrov will hear concerns from members about Russia's actions in Ukraine.
  • China has been put in an "untenable position" by aligning itself with Russia in the war in Ukraine, and Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield hopes that China will be more proactive and condemn Russia's actions.
  • The Iran nuclear deal remains stalled, with the Iranians expressing distrust towards the U.S. in negotiations, but the U.S. remains committed to diplomacy and preventing Iran from gaining access to a nuclear weapon.
  • The U.S. is co-chairing the Food Security Summit later today, which will focus on finding a global solution to the issue of food security, exacerbated by Russia's war in Ukraine.
  • Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will meet with the First Lady of Ukraine at an event at the Metropolitan Opera, and she described the First Lady as an "extraordinarily impressive voice for her country."

Statistics:

  • Six months: the amount of time the U.S. has been condemning and isolating Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
  • 77th UNGA: the United Nations General Assembly meeting where the Security Council meeting on Thursday will take place with Lavrov and Secretary Blinken.
  • 1: the number of China's reservations expressed about Russia's actions in Ukraine, with Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield hoping for more proactive condemnation from China.
  • 2: the number of countries that will co-chair the Food Security Summit with the U.S., including the EU and the African Union.
  • 1: the number of time the First Lady of Ukraine spoke with the First Lady in Washington during her last trip, impressing Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.

Sources:

  • U.S. Mission to the United Nations (usun.usmission.gov/ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfields-interview-with-pamela-falk-of-cbs-news-2/)
  • 60 Minutes
  • CBS News (Pamela Falk)