President Biden released a special statement following a massive Russian attack with missiles and drones across Ukraine. At least 30 civilians were killed in the strikes and 144 people were injured. The air strikes on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure lasted for about 18 hours. It was the largest Russian air attack on Ukraine since the start of a large-scale military invasion on February 24, 2022.
President Biden believes that Putin’s goals of destroying Ukraine and enslaving its people have not changed after nearly two years of this devastating war. “Putin must be stopped”, Biden urged.
According to the American president, the stakes in this struggle go far beyond Ukraine. They affect the entire NATO alliance, the security of Europe and the future of transatlantic relations.
According to Biden, Putin also threatens some US allies. “When dictators and autocrats are allowed to run amok in Europe, the risk that the United States will be drawn directly into the process increases”, the US president said in a statement.
If Congress fails to act urgently in the new year, the United States will not be able to continue sending the weapons and vital air defense systems Ukraine needs to protect its people. Congress must step up and act without further delay, Biden’s statement emphasized. “We cannot fail Ukraine. History will harshly condemn those who do not answer the call of freedom”.
An excerpt of Joe Biden’s statement was published by the Russian service of Voice of America.
