International Blinken calls for tougher action against Russia aides

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on the United Nations to take more decisive action against Russia's supporters in the Ukraine war.

"The fastest way forward is to stop those who are enabling Putin's aggression," Blinken said during a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, which took place on the sidelines of the UN General Debate in New York. He also called for a just peace that upholds the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Specifically, Blinken highlighted Russia's support from North Korea and Iran. "The more Russia relies on their support, the more Iran and North Korea receive in return," he said. "And the more (Russian President Vladimir) Putin supports Pyongyang and Tehran, the more he exacerbates threats to peace and security - not just in Europe, but in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and around the world." Blinken also mentioned China, which is helping Russia to maintain the war machine.

Blinken reminded the Security Council of its central task: "To strive for a peaceful resolution of conflicts." The UN Charter is "crystal clear" in this respect. "We must strive for a peace that upholds the fundamental principles of the United Nations, not undermines them," said Blinken.