WASHINGTON, USA: At the NATO summit in Washington on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden made a strong commitment to defend Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
Using this significant global platform, Biden aimed to reassure both domestic and international allies of his leadership capabilities. His address comes at a crucial time, following 12 days of intense scrutiny regarding his suitability for office. Concerns have been raised by some Democrats and campaign donors, especially after a faltering debate performance on June 27.
Speaking to NATO members, Biden emphasized how serious the threat that Russian President Vladimir Putin poses is. “Putin wants nothing less than Ukraine’s total subjugation… and to wipe Ukraine off the map,” he said. Assuring that “Ukraine can and will stop Putin,” Biden emphasized the steadfast support of the United States and NATO for the embattled nation.
This speech marked Biden’s most high-profile policy address since the debate and was seen by the White House as a pivotal moment to overcome recent challenges in his presidency. Biden delivered his remarks confidently, reading from a teleprompter, and largely avoided the missteps that had marred his debate appearance.
Framed by the historic federal hall where the NATO treaty was signed and accompanied by stirring performances from the U.S. Marine Corps band, Biden proclaimed, “Today NATO is stronger than it’s ever been in its history.” His speech aimed to project a message of resilience and unity, reinforcing NATO’s collective strength and commitment in the face of Russian aggression.
