Biden: We will not bow to Putin

2024-03-08 08:38:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

United States President Joe Biden criticized his potential Republican opponent, Donald Trump, for "bowing" to Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged the US Congress to approve aid to Ukraine, warning that democracy around the world is under threat.

Biden delivered his annual address to the nation at a joint session of Congress on Thursday night.

He criticized Trump for recent comments about NATO - the US-led defense alliance, which marks its 75th anniversary this year.

Speaking at a rally last month, Trump said that while serving as president, he had warned a NATO ally that he would "encourage Russia to do whatever the hell it wants" with those members of the alliance who do not pay enough for their goals. of protection.

The statement sparked fears that Trump may try to pull the US out of NATO if he wins the presidential election in November.

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"To kowtow to a Russian leader is scandalous, dangerous and unacceptable," Biden said, referring to Trump, as he recalled how former President Ronald Reagan - fondly remembered by Republicans - stood up to the Kremlin during the war. Cold.

Biden said NATO is "stronger than ever" and singled out Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in the audience.

On the day he delivered the speech, Sweden officially became NATO's 32nd member, ending 200 years of military neutrality.

Sweden applied to join the defense alliance after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Biden called on Congress to pass an aid bill for Ukraine, warning that Putin will not stop at the Ukrainian border.

A group of right-wing Republicans in the House of Representatives has for months blocked the bill, which would have allocated about $60 billion in military, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian invaders.

The blockade in Washington left Ukrainian forces without ammunition and weapons - which enabled Russia to score some victories on the battlefield. Last month, it captured the eastern city of Avdijivka, achieving its first victory in more than a year.

"Ukraine can stop Putin if we stand with Ukraine and provide it with the weapons it needs to defend itself. We must stand up against Putin," said Biden.

If the United States withdraws, he said, "Ukraine will be in danger, Europe will be in danger, the free world will be in danger."

"My message to President Putin... is simple. We will not back down. We will not bend. I will not bow down," he said.

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Biden also criticized Trump for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, saying they posed a great threat to democracy in the country.

"You can't just love your country when you win," he said, referring not only to Trump but also to Republicans in Congress who support the former president's claims that the 2020 election was rigged.

Biden's speech this year takes on greater significance as he enters the race for re-election in November — likely against Trump. The speech may be his biggest chance to reach American voters before the election.

Biden beat Trump in 2020, but faces a tough re-election race due to low ratings.

A Pew Research Center poll released in January found that only 33 percent of Americans approve of Biden's job performance, while 65 percent disapprove. Biden's job rating was below 40 percent during the last two years./ REL