Following up on his surprise visit to Kyiv, the president accuses Russia of crimes against humanity
President Biden issued a broad call here on Tuesday for a global recommitment to Ukraine as the war approaches its one-year anniversary, reiterating the resilience of the international coalition despite the war’s prolonged human and economic impact.
He asserted that Russia has committed crimes against humanity, listing a number of “abhorrent” acts targeting civilians. Proclaiming that NATO is “more united and more unified than ever,” Biden said that one year on, democracies are emerging stronger and autocracies weaker.
He added, “One year later, we know the answer. We did respond. We would be strong, we would be united, and the world would not look the other way.”
In a stark if unplanned juxtaposition, Biden’s speech came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his own fiery speech claiming that the West is plotting to destroy Russia.
The dueling speeches highlighted a sharp contrast in worldviews, testing Biden’s argument that democracies will outrun autocracies. The event also crystallized the importance of a trip that began with Biden’s dramatic appearance in Kyiv to stand with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“I’ve just come from a visit to Kiev and I can report Kiev stands strong,” Biden said at the start of his remarks. “Kiev stands proud, it stands tall. And most important, it stands free.”
Even so, Biden nodded toward the difficulties ahead, saying the alliance would still be tested.
Warsaw has been largely taken over by Biden’s visit. Streets are shut down and blue ropes are keeping the crowds, at times a half-dozen deep, corralled on the sidewalk. American and Polish flags are omnipresent, and television networks are providing blanket coverage.
As he arrived at the Presidential Palace under dreary skies, Biden was welcomed with a ceremony that included a military parade and the playing of the American and Polish national anthems.
