US President Joe Biden made a speech in Warsaw, Poland, declaring that Russia would "never win" in Ukraine, which was on the verge of the first anniversary of Moscow's invasion.
He emphasized that "brutality will never grind down the will of the free" and that "a dictator bent on rebuilding an empire will never be able to ease the people's love of liberty."
Speaking to a crowd outside the Royal Castle, Biden further stated that "Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia. Never."
He followed up with remarks on his surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital, saying that "Kyiv stands strong, Kyiv stands proud, Kyiv stands tall, and most importantly, Kyiv stands free."
In addition, Biden commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech against the West, which was delivered the previous day. By making these statements, Biden aimed to show the United States' continued support for Ukraine and its people while also challenging Russia's aggression.
Biden's remarks in Poland come at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, a move that sparked international condemnation and sanctions against Russia.
The Ukrainian government has been fighting against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since then, with thousands of lives lost.
The United States and its allies have been providing support to Ukraine, including military aid and sanctions against Russia.
“The West is not plotting to attack Russia as Putin said today,” Biden said.
“Millions of Russian citizens who only want to live in peace with their neighbours are not the enemy.”
Biden said that the West would keep helping Ukraine.
Putin “thought autocrats like himself were tough and leaders of democracy were soft and then he met the iron will of America and nations everywhere that refused to accept a world governed by fear,” he said.
“There should be no doubt: our support for Ukraine will not waver, NATO will not be divided and we will not tire.”
This is Biden’s second official trip to Poland in the past year.
Today, he will meet with the leaders of nine eastern NATO countries in Warsaw.