Ashish Ranjan
Joe Biden in Warsaw: US President Joe Biden gave a speech to commemorate the first anniversary of the Ukraine War in which he fiercely defended the concepts of freedom and democracy, praised the Ukrainian people for their resistance to Russian aggression, emphasised the strength of the international community, particularly NATO and other democracies around the world, in supporting Ukraine, and reaffirmed American commitment to helping Kyiv.
Biden blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin for his “war of choice” in Ukraine, outlined Putin’s errors, referred to Russia’s atrocities as “crimes against humanity,” vowed to hold those responsible for the war accountable, and asserted that Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia. He also issued a dire warning about the coming challenges.
A day after making an unusual trip to Kyiv to show his support for the Ukrainian military effort, Biden gave a speech on Tuesday in the gardens of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. He spoke hours after Putin’s speech in Moscow, during which the Russian leader escalated his military campaign, accused the West of starting the conflict, and withdrew from a crucial arms control agreement.
With reference to his visit to the Ukrainian capital, Biden remarked, “I can report that Kyiv stands strong. A year ago, Russia had launched the greatest land battle in Europe since the Second World War, and the “principles” that underlie peace and prosperity risked being shattered and Kyiv risked crumbling. It stands haughtily. It is imposing.
According to Biden, the Russian invasion was a test for the entire globe for a very long time and raised many problems that have since been resolved. Would we act or remain silent? Would we be strong or frail? Would we be united or divided? We answered, and we didn’t turn away. We had power. We were a group.
The globe had risen up for democracy, freedom of the individual, and national sovereignty. And despite everything, we will remain on our feet.
Putin, according to Biden, had anticipated that the Ukrainian people would “roll over,” but instead they had shown themselves to be “too brave.” Putin may have hoped for the “Finlandization of NATO,” but instead, according to Biden, Finland and Sweden were “NATOized,” alluding to their decision to formally join the organisation.
Putin wanted to weaponize energy, but instead, the West collaborated to lessen Europe’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels. He believed autocrats were strong and democratic leaders were weak, but democracies have strengthened and autocracies have become weaker, according to US President Donald Trump.
“Putin doesn’t question the coalition’s strength after a year in this battle. But he questions our resolve, our ability to endure, our support for Ukraine, and whether NATO can continue to be united, Biden said, adding that neither support will wane nor will NATO become divided. “We won’t get weary.”
The cravings of autocrats, according to Biden, cannot be “appeased but must be challenged.” “No, No, No, autocrats only comprehend one universe… Russia will never triumph in Ukraine. Never”.
Then, according to Biden, “crimes against humanity” were perpetrated by Russia. “It went after civilians… abused women as a form of warfare… kidnapped Ukrainian kids attacked schools, maternity hospitals, and train stops Nobody can turn a blind eye to the horrors committed by Russia. Abhorrent.”
At the same time, Biden praised Ukraine for its “amazing response.” “Ukraine is still independent and free one year after bombs started dropping.”
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He emphasised that Ukrainian flags are flown over more than 50% of the land that Russia controlled the previous year, that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to run a free and democratic country, and that the world has repeatedly voted at the UN to denounce Russian aggression.
