Russia's foreign minister has bitterly criticised Western nations over the Ukraine war, saying the United States and its allies are seeking to 'destroy' his country.
After days of denunciations of Russia at the prominent diplomatic gathering, Sergei Lavrov - the only leader allowed to address the assembly via video this year - defended Russia's decision to invade Ukraine, accusing Western nations of"Russophobia".
"They are not shying away from declaring the intent to inflict not only military defeat on our country but also to destroy and fracture Russia."After days of Western leaders denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Mr Lavrov used Russia's turn at the General Assembly rostrum to hit back at pressure on Moscow led by Washington.
Russia faced broad condemnation at this week's UN General Assembly, particularly after President Vladimir Putin issued a veiled threat to use nuclear force against any menace to Russia's "territorial integrity." Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba denounced the remarks on the possible use of nuclear weapons, saying it is "absolutely unacceptable".
"China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis. The pressing priority is to facilitate talks for peace," Mr Wang said.
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