Biden: NATO intends to hold Russia accountable for the unleashed war
The White House released President Biden’s statement on the emergency NATO summit in Brussels.
“Exactly one month ago, Russia launched an unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, and NATO leaders met to reaffirm their strong support for the Ukrainian people and our determination to hold Russia accountable for the war it has unleashed and our commitment to strengthening NATO,” the document said.
President Biden, in particular, emphasized: “We were honored to hear directly from President Zelensky, and we will continue to support himself and his government with significant assistance to Ukraine, which will only grow, to combat Russian aggression and defend Ukraine’s right to self-defense.”
In recent weeks, the U.S. has announced a new $1 billion defense assistance package for Ukraine, including deliveries of anti-aircraft systems, anti-tank weapons, drones and millions of rounds of ammunition. The White House welcomes moves by NATO allies to provide defense support to Ukraine.
President Biden stresses that NATO leaders “discussed work to strengthen NATO’s collective defense, particularly on the eastern flank.”
“The North Atlantic Alliance is stronger and more united than ever. Immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we engaged NATO’s defense plans and the NATO Rapid Reaction Force. The United States moved thousands of troops and additional military equipment into Europe. We also welcome the additional forces that our allies have deployed,” Biden said.
NATO leaders “announce the creation of four new NATO troop groups in Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary – a strong signal that NATO nations will work together to defend every inch of territory in the member countries.
Between now and the next NATO summit in June, the alliance plans to develop additional troops and assets to bolster its defense.
NATO countries “must adopt a new, updated strategic defense concept to ensure readiness to meet any new challenge amid growing security threats.