On Feb. 21, U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a speech in Warsaw, praising his Polish hosts and reiterating Washington’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the war effort against Russia. Biden was introduced by his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda, who thanked the United States and NATO for defending “the free world.” Since the conflict began, Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters, providing Kyiv with combat tanks.
Biden greeted the people of Poland, whom he described as “our great allies,” and said that Kyiv still stands tall despite Russia’s invasion, which was initially launched on Feb. 24, 2022. The president also visited Ukraine on Feb. 20, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and pledged an additional $500 million in aid for Kyiv. Since Biden took office in January of 2021, the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $25 billion in security assistance.
Biden responded to claims made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow address delivered earlier Feb. 21, saying, “We do not seek to control Russia. We are not plotting to attack Russia, as Putin said today. Putin chose this war, and he could end it today with a word.” The president also hailed the 50-nation coalition devoted to supporting Kyiv and ensuring it “has what it needs to defend itself.” He concluded by praising the 30-member NATO alliance, which he described as the “strongest defensive alliance in the world.”
Speculation has mounted in recent weeks that the conflict’s upcoming one-year anniversary could coincide with fresh Russian offensives along the 600-mile-long frontline.