In his Saturday remarks, President Biden warned Russia against assaulting “even a single inch” of NATO countries’ territory.
After meeting with US troops serving with Polish forces to reinforce NATO’s from-line defences on Friday, Biden reiterated the warning.
“American forces are here to defend NATO allies,” Biden said. “Don’t even think about moving on one single inch of NATO territory. We have a sacred obligation under Article 5 of defending each and every inch of NATO territory with the full force of our collective power.”
Vladimir Putin’s actions, he said, had had an unexpected effect for the Russian leader: They have drawn NATO allies closer.
“Russia’s brutal tactics have strengthened the resolve,” Biden said. “Rather than drive NATO apart, the West is now stronger and more united than it’s ever been.”
Putin, he said, wanted “less” of a NATO presence on his border, “but now he has a stronger presence, a larger presence with over 100,000 American troops here along with all the other members of NATO.”
“In fact, Russia has managed to cause something I’m sure he never intended,” Biden added. “The democracies of the world are revitalized with purpose and unity found in months that we’ve once taken years to accomplish.”
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