Updated February 21, 2023 at 12:18 PM ET
A day after his secret visit to Kyiv, President Biden promised that Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia.
Speaking from Warsaw, Poland, Biden boasted of how the west had responded to the aggression from Moscow and said leaders must continue to stand up for freedom and democracy.
"When Russia invaded, it wasn't just Ukraine being tested. The whole world faced a test for the ages. Europe was being tested," Biden said from the gardens of the Royal Castle.
"There should be no doubt. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. NATO will not be divided. And we will not tire," he added.
The speech came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his own address in Moscow — though the White House insisted the timing was coincidental.
Putin said the war in Ukraine was an existential struggle against the West, and claimed that sanctions had no effect on the country's economy. He also said he was suspending Russia's participation in the New START arms control treaty.
Biden cast the war as a battle between democracy and autocracy. He spoke directly to citizens of Belarus and Moldova, expressing support for their fight for democracy.
He also spoke to Russians, saying that the United States and Europe were not seeking to control Russia.
"The west was not plotting to attack Russia, as Putin said today," Biden said.
Biden's visit comes as the war enters a new phase
The visit to Ukraine and Poland comes at a critical time as the war enters a new and disconcerting phase. Russia has launched its latest spring offensive. Ukraine is expected to soon mount its own counteroffensive — with the assistance of U.S. and western weapons. And the end of the war is nowhere in sight.
Biden seeks to reassure the region that U.S. support remains strong, while sending a message back home that the U.S. needs to remain united behind Ukraine.
Biden also me with Polish President Andrzej Duda and will later meet with leaders of eastern flank allies known as the "Bucharest 9."
Poland is a close NATO ally and has provided $3.8 billion in military and humanitarian assistance. Kirby said Biden will also use the opportunity to thank Poland for hosting U.S. forces.
Biden has insisted he will not send U.S. troops to Ukraine. But he's been equally adamant that the United States was prepared to defend NATO members.
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