President Obama issued a tough assessment of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine as part of his General Assembly remarks Thursday, calling for a stand-down to the military mission — but Russian delegates weren’t exactly respectful.
They outright laughed during his speech, Newsmax reported.
Video showed Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin covering his mouth to disguise his smiling face, while tapping the arm of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov — who’s also laughing.
Meanwhile, Mr. Obama said: “Russian aggression to Europe recalls the days when large nations trampled in pursuit of territorial ambition. We call upon others to join us on the right side of history — for while small gains can be won at the barrel of a gun, they will ultimately be turned back if enough voices support the freedom of nations and peoples to make their own decisions.”
He then called for a “path of diplomacy and peace” and said that if the recently forged cease-fire in place in Ukraine lasts, “then we will lift our sanctions and welcome Russia’s role in addressing common challenges,” Newsmax reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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