US President Joe Biden opened the NATO summit in Washington DC with a powerful speech aimed at reassuring both international allies and American citizens of his capability to counter a potential election challenge from Donald Trump.
In his concise but impactful address, Biden proclaimed the military alliance “more powerful than ever” as it navigates a “pivotal moment” with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He stressed the threat posed by “autocrats” disrupting global order and announced additional military support for Kyiv.
The US, along with Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Romania, is providing Patriot missile batteries and other systems to enhance Ukraine’s air defenses.
Biden stated, “The war will end with Ukraine remaining a free and independent country. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail.”
Biden’s confident 13-minute speech stood in stark contrast to his hesitant performance during the previous month’s presidential debate with Trump.
However, within the Democratic Party, doubts about Biden’s leadership surfaced during private discussions, with some lawmakers expressing a somber mood. Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey became the seventh House Democrat to urge Biden not to seek re-election, citing the high stakes involved.
Diplomats also voiced doubts about Biden’s future.
An unnamed European envoy remarked, “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, Biden’s team is emphasizing his vigor and capacity to fulfill presidential duties.
The White House credited Biden’s leadership for NATO’s expansion since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the recent additions of Finland and Sweden to the alliance.
The summit, attended by leaders from NATO’s 32 member countries, included the UK’s new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Starmer reiterated Labour’s unwavering support for NATO, stating that the trip was about “standing together with our allies, discussing practically how we provide further support to Ukraine, and send a very, very clear message to Putin that we will stand against Russian aggression wherever it is in the world.”
The event took place in the historic venue where the original NATO treaty was signed. Biden concluded his speech by awarding NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the US.
Meanwhile, former President Trump criticized NATO allies during a campaign rally in Florida, attended by his sons, including Barron Trump, making his first public appearance at such an event.
Trump criticized NATO members for not meeting the agreed defense spending goals, claiming his presidency compelled them to increase contributions significantly.
He recalled warning them, “No, I will not protect you from Russia” unless they paid more to the alliance.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg refrained from commenting on Trump as the summit commenced.
Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a separate event in Washington DC, emphasized the global anticipation of the upcoming US election and urged American voters to continue supporting Ukraine.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Biden on Thursday.
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