Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused Moscow of attacking the foundations of the United Nations and stressed the role of the UN in global crisis management. "The United Nations is needed so that we can find common solutions to global problems. That no country has to live in fear that a stronger neighbor will attack it," said the Green politician in Berlin before her departure for the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday morning with.

"This General Assembly is not like the previous ones," warned Baerbock. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia tramples on international law and thus the foundation of the international peace order. The UN, on the other hand, is characterized by listening to each other with respect and understanding, united in the belief in basic values ​​such as renunciation of violence, equality of all states and international cooperation.

The minister emphasized: "We stand firmly by Ukraine's side and we will continue to support it - with everything it needs - so that the war and the immeasurable suffering of the people in Ukraine come to an end." She did not respond to Ukraine's demand for the delivery of German battle tanks.

In New York, the main focus will be "how the horrible crimes committed in the name of Russia in Ukraine can be dealt with and prosecuted". The location of the Ukrainian nuclear power plants will also play a role, which Russia uses as a bargaining chip, "and thus accepts a catastrophe for millions of people every day," explained Baerbock.

The minister said that the dramatic effects of the Russian war of aggression had the effect of looking through a magnifying glass in many regions of the world. She will use the UN week to "focus on the issues and concerns of our partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Arab world." She wants to talk to those who are most affected by climate change and the food crisis and find concrete solutions.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) wanted to give his first speech as head of government at the UN early Wednesday morning German time. More than 140 heads of state and government are expected to attend the general debate at the UN General Assembly.