A State Department spokesperson told reporters in New York during U.N. General Assembly week that the United States wants the United Nations to “return to its foundational purpose, maintaining international peace and security.”

The comment, made during a Department of State press briefing, came alongside remarks that criticized the U.N. for issuing strong statements without follow-up enforcement and said the United States will press for measurable results. “The UN has such tremendous potential, but it's not even coming close to living up to that potential,” a State Department staff member said. “For the most part, at least for now, all they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up.”

Why it matters: The remarks signal continued U.S. emphasis on using the U.N. for concrete action on international conflicts and on addressing cross-border humanitarian issues. Officials also tied the message to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, saying the United States views the conflict as a priority for restoring peace and security.

Officials said President Donald J. Trump and “Secretary Rubio” made the U.S. position clear at the General Assembly and at the U.N. Security Council. A State Department staff member said the president is “very patient” but warned that “if there is no path to peace in the short short term, then The United States and president Donald J. Trump will take the steps necessary to impose costs for continued aggression.” The briefing did not specify what actions, instruments, or timelines the United States would use to impose such costs.

In addition to public remarks, the United States hosted two side events during the week, officials said. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau led a session titled “Back to Basics,” which officials described as focusing on ways to reform the U.N. for more measurable outcomes. A second event led by Landau addressed what officials described as a broken refugee and asylum system and potential fixes; participants and specific proposals for reform were not detailed in the briefing.

The briefing made clear these were policy statements and diplomatic priorities rather than formal, binding U.N. actions. No U.S. executive actions, Security Council resolutions, or new sanctions were announced at the briefing. Officials framed the statements as priorities the United States will continue to advocate for at the U.N.

Looking ahead, the spokesperson closed the briefing by saying the United States will “continue to offer the hand of American leadership and friendship to all nations who wish to join us in forging a safer, more prosperous world,” and returned to Washington after the week of meetings.