In a powerful statement greeting NATO leaders to Washington, DC, US President Joe Biden promised to supply Ukraine five additional strategic air defense systems to resist persistent Russian strikes.
The president said at the beginning of the conference that the military alliance was “more powerful than ever” and that it was facing a “pivotal moment” in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. His statements were succinct but forceful.
In light of the rising number of civilian deaths in the conflict, Mr. Biden announced that the US would work with Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Romania to send Patriot missile batteries and other systems to help Ukraine.
The declaration was made just two days after a children’s hospital in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was destroyed by a Russian missile. The mayor of the city described the strike as one of the worst since the start of the conflict.
Over a hundred people were hurt and over forty-three people died as a result of Monday’s explosions across the nation, according to officials.
Although Moscow denied any involvement in the strike, the UN and experts who spoke with BBC Verify placed the blame there.
For months, President Volodymyr Zelensky has beseeched his Western allies to increase the provision of air defenses.
Over the course of the upcoming year, NATO intends to donate dozens of smaller, strategic anti-air batteries in addition to five strategic air defense systems.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Biden declared, “The war will end with Ukraine remaining a free and independent country.” “Russia won’t win. Ukraine will win.
at his 13-minute speech, President Biden maintained a precise and concise tone, which contrasted sharply with his rambling delivery at Trump’s presidential debate last month.
In an address that appeared geared toward assuring domestic and international supporters that he can defeat Donald Trump in the election, the president issued a dire warning, claiming that “autocrats” have destroyed the international order.
There was a “sad” atmosphere during the congressional Democrats’ private meeting to discuss Mr. Biden’s leadership of the party, lawmakers told the Associated Press news agency.
Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, the seventh Democrat in the House of Representatives, publicly urged Mr. Biden not to seek reelection later on Tuesday, stating that the stakes were “too high.”
Reports state that visiting diplomats also voiced doubts about Mr. Biden’s future.
One anonymous European diplomat told the news agency Reuters, “We don’t see how he can come back after the debate.” “I can’t imagine him being at helm of the US and Nato for four more years.”
In response, Mr. Biden’s team has made an effort to demonstrate that the 81-year-old is still capable of handling the rigors of presidential duties.
Since Russia attacked Ukraine two years ago, the White House has attributed Mr. Biden’s leadership to NATO’s growth, which saw the accession of Finland and Sweden.
For the summit, leaders of the 32 participating nations are gathering in the US capital.
The new prime minister of the UK, Sir Keir Starmer, is joining them. He expressed his satisfaction at “confirming and reaffirming Labour’s strong support, unshakeable support for NATO” before departing for Washington.
When asked what he would like Russian President Vladimir Putin to hear from NATO allies during the meeting, Sir Keir responded, “It should be seen as a clear and united resolve by NATO allies… to stand with Ukraine and stand up to Russian aggression.”
He stated that the sorrowful yet crucial background to this conference is strengthened by the deadly incident that occurred earlier this week on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
The package of support for Ukraine that the UK was hoping to push through the summit, Sir Keir continued, “goes beyond the support that’s been put in before.”
On Wednesday, Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress, as well as Mr. Biden, are scheduled to meet with Sir Keir.
The event on Tuesday was deeply ingrained in the alliance’s past.
It took place in the very location where the original treaty—which Mr. Biden mentioned in his speech—was signed decades ago.
America’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was given to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg by Mr. Biden near the end of his speech.
Trump, 78, criticized NATO allies on Tuesday night at a campaign rally held at his Doral, Florida golf club.4
All three of his sons were present, including the youngest, Barron, who, according to his father, was attending his first-ever Trump rally and garnered more applause from the crowd than his brothers, Eric and Don.
Trump has continuously criticized NATO allies for falling short of an approved target of allocating at least 2% of GDP on defense. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, a large number of NATO members now fulfill that requirement.
