During Monday’s visit to Warsaw and Kyiv, President Biden challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “end the war” in Ukraine. Biden warned that failure to move toward peace would force America to levy new sanctions against the Kremlin.
Biden said: “One year ago, the world was bracing for the fall of Kyiv. Well, I just came from Kyiv, and I can report Kyiv stands strong. Kyiv stands proud. Kyiv stands tall. And most importantly, Kyiv stands free.”
Biden claimed that Putin’s push into Ukraine has galvanized NATO, saying that western-aligned nations are “more united and more unified than ever before.”
“Putin is confronted with something today that he didn’t think was possible a year ago — the democracies around the world have grown stronger, not weaker; but the autocrats around the world have grown weaker, not stronger.”
Biden added: “One year into this war, Putin no longer doubts the strength of our coalition, but he still doubts our conviction; he doubts our staying power; he doubts our continued support for Ukraine; he doubts they can remain unified. But there should be no doubt — our support for Ukraine will not waiver. NATO will not be divided and we will not tire.”
In a highly publicized speech on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the west for threatening Russian sovereignty and domestic policies that attack families, traditional values, and the safety of children.
Many Twitter users agreed with Putin on several points.
President Biden did not respond to Putin’s charges but asserted that the United States and Europe “do not seek to control or destroy Russia.”
Biden added: “The West is not plotting to attack Russia, as Putin said today. This war was never a necessity — it is a tragedy … [Putin] chose this war. Every day the war continues; this is his choice. He could end the war with a word. It’s simple: if Russia stopped invading Ukraine, it would end the war.”
Biden warned Russia that America and a “worldwide coalition of more than 50 nations” will ensure that Ukraine can defend itself.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
