Biden Concludes NATO Summit, Reaffirms Unwavering Support in Defending Ukraine

July 12 (UPI) — In a landmark speech delivered at Vilnius University, President Joe Biden reassured Ukraine of unwavering support from its Western allies following the conclusion of the two-day NATO summit in Lithuania. Biden stood before American and Lithuanian flags, addressing a large crowd and affirming, “We are prepared for the challenges ahead. Our unity will not waver. I promise you.”

Biden, while emphasizing the strength and historical significance of the NATO alliance, stated, “The defense of freedom is not a fleeting task. It is the lifelong dedication of all generations.” He praised the unity, vitality, and force of the 31-country mutual defense pact formed after World War II. “NATO is stronger than ever before. Our shared future depends on it. This didn’t come about by chance.”

In his speech, Biden commended Lithuania’s triumph in achieving and preserving its independence after parting ways with the Soviet Union in the 1990s. He also highlighted climate change as the greatest challenge for humanity in the interconnected world, calling for an updated approach to address the growing complexities of contemporary global issues.

Biden’s remarks followed the NATO summit, where Ukraine received a pathway to NATO membership and member countries committed to allocating more than 2% of their gross domestic product to defense. “Over the past few days, as President of the United States, I had the privilege of participating in a historic NATO summit hosted by Lithuania. We warmly welcomed Finland as NATO’s newest ally and agreed to bring Sweden into the alliance at the earliest opportunity,” Biden announced to applause from the audience.

During the summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine held a productive meeting with Biden, describing it as “good” and “powerful.” Other leaders from Canada, Britain, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands were also present at the gathering. The summit took place nearly 18 months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a stark reminder that the world stands at a critical crossroads. Biden stressed the importance of a secure Europe for the prosperity not only of the United States but also of the entire globe.

“We are faced with a choice; a choice between a world shaped by coercion and exploitation, where might determines right, or a world where we acknowledge that our own success is interconnected with the success of others. When others thrive, we all thrive.”