President Joe Biden described the Ukraine War as a battle for freedom and democracy during a speech in Warsaw on Tuesday. He claimed that the world was “at an inflection point” and that the stakes were “eternal.”
“The choices we make over the course of the next five years or so will affect and mold our life for many years to come. It applies to Americans. It holds true for all people,” he stated, adding:
“The concepts and the stakes are timeless, even though the decisions we make today are ours to make. A decision between stability and chaos. Between creating and obliterating. Between fear and hope. Between the ruthless dictator’s hand that destroys the human soul and the democracy that elevates it. Between nothing less than constraint and opportunities, the kinds of opportunities that individuals who live in freedom rather than captivity have. Freedom.”
Additionally, he stated that improving lives all across the world was the “duty” of democracies.
“We need to apply the power and capacity of our alliance to improving health, boosting economy, protecting the environment, establishing security and peace, and treating every person with dignity and respect,” he said.
“We are accountable for that. For our people, the democracies of the globe must provide it,” he continued.
In a nation that largely supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Biden’s address was favorably received. After decades of communist control and an organized opposition movement known as the Solidarity movement, led by Lech Wasa, Poland attained full freedom from the Soviet Union in 1989.
Biden drew into that anti-Soviet passion in Poland throughout his remarks, even making reference to the Solidarity movement:
“Because knowing what you stand for and who is standing with you through times of enormous upheaval and uncertainty is crucial, it makes all the difference. The Polish people are aware of this. As you are aware. In fact, no one in Poland knows it better than you do. Because solidarity means just that.”
The U.S. and Europe “do not wish to rule or destroy Russia,” said Biden, adding that Russian citizens who want to live in peace “are not the adversary.” Biden also addressed the Russian people.
He went on to say, however, that the United States and its allies would soon announce additional sanctions on Russia and that the United States would host a summit for every member of the NATO alliance, which was created to oppose Russia, in the coming year.
Speaking in front of a flag-draped Royal Castle in Warsaw that was flown by the United States, Poland, and Ukraine Before the address, American rock music played over speakers, and a podium was positioned at the end of a runway that was illuminated up in the national colors of Ukraine: yellow and blue.
Despite being a solemn occasion, the gathering had a campaign vibe about it. Before the address, attendees received flags of the U.S., Poland, and Ukraine.
Poles, who are known for supporting the United States regardless of the president, were courteous and generally enthusiastic about Biden’s visit.
Walesa, Poland’s first democratically elected president, was among the top political personalities in the country who attended the address.
In his remarks to the gathering, Biden praised the Poles for their assistance to Ukraine.
“Take a moment, everyone here tonight. And when I say, Turn around and look at one another, I mean it. Take a look at your previous efforts. More than 1.5 million war refugees are being housed in Poland. God’s blessings on you. Poland has an incredibly kind heart and a willingness to welcome people into their homes.”
“I’m grateful, Poland. Please accept my sincere gratitude for what you’re doing. God be with you all,” he concluded.