‘Putin’s Craven Lust for Land and Power Will Fail,’ Biden Says

Russian president Vladimir Putin’s “craven lust for land and power will fail,” Tuesday’s speech by President Joe Biden was a rebuke of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

“President Putin is confronted with something today he didn’t think was possible a year ago: The democracies of the world have grown stronger, not weaker. But the autocrats of the world have grown weaker, not stronger,” Biden spoke from Warsaw, Poland just days after making a surprise visit to Ukraine to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Biden warned Putin not to be aggressive and stated that the United States and its European allies would continue to supply lethal armaments for Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion. Biden said that the United States will strike Moscow this week with a series of new sanctions to punish it for its crimes against Ukraine. This speech was a warning shot for Putin that the West is more committed than ever in Ukraine’s defense.

“One year into this war, Putin no longer doubts the strength of our coalitions,” Biden said. “But he still doubts our conviction. He doubts our staying power. He doubts our continuing support for Ukraine. He doubts whether NATO can remain unified. But there should be no doubt: Our support for Ukraine will not waiver. NATO will not be divided. And we will not tire.”

Biden, following his visit to Ukraine, stated that he “can report Kyiv stands strong. Kyiv stands proud. It stands tall. And most importantly it stands free.”

Biden indicated that military support will continue for Ukraine, including the supply of air defense system, artilleries, tanks, ammunition and armored vehicle, among other types.

The United States and its allies will hold Putin and his circle accountable for the crimes committed in Ukraine. This includes the rape and targeted bombings of schools and children.

“We’ll hold accountable those responsible for this war and seek justice for the war crimes and crimes against humanity continuing to be committed by the Russians,” Biden said.

Biden’s speech was made the day after Putin announced that he would suspend Russia’s commitments to the New Start nuclear weapons treaty. This treaty placed limits on each nation’s nuclear supply. Putin said that he was willing to resume nuclear weapons testing to make sure his country is ready for war.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) stated that Putin’s decision should be motivating.