As part of his meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Tuesday, President Biden reiterated the United States’ commitment to European security following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Biden emphasized the significance of NATO and called it the “most consequential alliance in history” that is “stronger than ever.”
The President arrived in Warsaw after an unexpected visit to Kyiv, which Duda praised as boosting morale among Ukraine’s defenders. Duda and other Bucharest Nine leaders will meet with Biden on Wednesday after he delivers a speech on the war.
In his address, Biden is expected to emphasize the commitment of Poland and other allies to Ukraine. The White House’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, stated that the speech would be “vintage Joe Biden” and reflect the president’s global values and vision. The situation in Ukraine is increasingly complex, with no clear endgame in sight.
Biden’s trip to Europe aims to affirm Ukraine and its allies, but there are concerns about softening support for providing Ukraine with weapons and aid.
The White House has highlighted Poland’s efforts to assist Ukraine, with over 1.5 million refugees settling there and providing $3.8 billion in aid.
The Biden administration also announced the establishment of a permanent U.S. garrison in Poland last summer. In his meeting with Duda, Biden emphasized the mutual need for the United States and Poland.
Despite this, there are still challenges ahead. A recent poll showed that support for providing Ukraine with weapons and aid is declining, and some Republicans have introduced a resolution calling for an end to military and financial aid.
However, Biden dismissed the notion of waning American support during his visit to Kyiv, stating that there is significant agreement among the American people on support for Ukraine.
Putin delivered his state-of-the-nation address on the same day as Biden’s speech, in which he announced Moscow would no longer participate in the New START Treaty, which limits the use of atomic weapons and caps the number of nuclear warheads.
Sullivan emphasized that Biden’s address is not a competition with Putin but rather a statement of values and vision for the world.
Biden’s trip to Europe is crucial to bolster European unity and reiterate the importance of supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The White House hopes that Biden’s visits to Kyiv and Warsaw will help to strengthen American and global resolve in support of Ukraine and its allies.
