Biden announces historic aid to Ukraine at NATO summit
President Joe Biden delivered a powerful speech at the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of NATO, held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. During his address, Biden highlighted the strength and unity of the NATO alliance, stating that it is “better equipped” than ever before.
Biden commended the 23 allies who have allocated 2 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense, describing it as a significant milestone. He expressed confidence in NATO’s capabilities, declaring, “We are stronger than we have ever been.”
Turning his attention to the situation in Ukraine, Biden issued a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating that Ukraine will prevail with the collective support of NATO. In a historic move, Biden announced a donation of air defense equipment for Ukraine, with the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy providing additional strategic air defense systems.
The President also highlighted the devastating toll of Putin’s war, noting the high number of casualties among Russian soldiers. He expressed concern for the youth of Russia, stating that many are leaving the country due to a lack of prospects for the future.
During the ceremony, Biden honored NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his leadership during crucial years for European security. Biden praised Stoltenberg for strengthening the alliance and emphasized the importance of NATO under his guidance.
As tensions continue to rise on the global stage, Biden’s speech underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among NATO allies in the face of evolving security challenges.
