Joe Biden has pledged more support for Ukraine – including air defence systems – as he welcomed NATO member states to a Washington summit marking the organisation’s 75th anniversary.
Dogged by rumours over his health, the US president delivered a forceful and determined speech in which he insisted the bloc was “more powerful than ever”.
The address came with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifying, and Mr Biden‘s presidential rival Donald Trump continuing to hint the US would leave NATO if he wins November’s election.
“Putin wants nothing less, nothing less, than Ukraine’s total subjugation… and to wipe Ukraine off the map,” Mr Biden said.
“Ukraine can and will stop Putin.”
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The centerpiece of the NATO summit will be new pledges of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Mr Biden and the leaders of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Romania have promised five additional Patriot and other strategic air defence systems to protect Ukrainian cities, civilians and soldiers.
Other allies, including Canada, Norway, Spain, and the UK will provide other systems aimed at improving Ukraine’s defences.
“This is a pivotal moment for Europe and the transatlantic community, and I might add to the world,” Mr Biden added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Tuesday and said he would “fight” for NATO to strengthen Ukrainian air defences and furnish it with more F-16 fighter jets.
in a speech at the Reagan Institute he said decisive action must be taken before the US presidential election in November to repel Russia’s offensive against his country.
“It’s time to step out of the shadows to make strong decisions to act and not wait for November or any other months to descend.
“We must be strong and uncompromising all together.”
And in a Q&A with Fox News host Bret Baier after his speech, he added: “I hope that if the people of America will elect President Trump, I hope that his policy with Ukraine will not change.
“I hope that the United States will never go out from NATO.”
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Meanwhile, tÂhe White House is hoping the president can turn the page on the speculation over his health following a disastrous debate performance.
Mr Biden has been working to persuade US voters, donors, and the Democratic Party that he is ready for re-election.
The president has rebuffed calls to step aside in his race against Mr Trump, vowing to beat him.
On Monday, his doctor explained Mr Biden has shown no signs of Parkinson’s disease after reports claimed a specialist had visited the president several times in the past year.
Mr Biden’s personal doctor Kevin O’Connor released a letter that insisted “President Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical”.