Tensions Rise as Russian Foreign Minister Criticizes West and Ukraine in UN Speech

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the United States and the West for defending a fading international power structure in his speech to the UN General Assembly, but barely mentioned the ongoing war in Ukraine. Lavrov alluded to historical complaints and Western support for Ukraine, but did not delve into the current fighting. He emphasized the need for a genuine multipolar world order and accused the US and its allies of trying to force their self-centered rules on the world. Lavrov's speech took place amidst a Ukrainian counteroffensive that has made modest advances but no major breakthroughs, and with empty seats representing Ukraine in the assembly hall.