"Ukraine will never win Russia." Baiden's historical speech: full text
Almost a year ago, I spoke here in Warsaw a week after Vladimir Putin began his murderous war, the largest land war in Europe. He violated the principles that were the foundation for peace and stability on the planet for over 75 years, they could be broken. A year ago, the war began, the fall of Kiev was expected-I just returned from Kiev, and it stands, Kiev stands and proud of it. The most important thing is that it is free.
When Russia began its invasion, the whole world has received a test - whether we will answer whether we will unite with the allies and whether we will stand firmly or just take our eyes. A year later, I know the answer - we answered, we were strong and united, the world did not take our eyes. We have a fundamental question of devotion to the basic principles - whether we will stand for the sovereignty of nations so that people can live freely, whether we stand for sovereignty and democracy.
A year later, the answer is known - we did it. We will stand for people to live freely. I met with President Vladimir Zelensky and told him that we would continue to defend these principles, regardless of something. When Putin ordered his tanks to break into Ukraine, he was wrong - the people of Ukraine are much bolder. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, we were strong and single. Instead of the victory he was waiting for, he received burned tanks, broken troops.
He thought he would be able to do the Finnishization of Ukraine, but instead he received the nasalization of Finland. He wanted to use energy as weapons, instead we are working to be independent of energy from Russia. He thought he was a strong guy and the leaders of the democratic states were weak. He was in a war against a person made of steel - he is President Zelensky. Putin faced the fact that democratic countries became stronger, and he became weaker.
In such moments of history, the principles we defend. People in Poland know that, and I know it. We know what solidarity is. This city was destroyed during World War II, but Poland stood, you did it together. Also for their rights is the people of Moldova, they are determined to live in freedom and to defend independence. Presidential Sandu, I'm very pleased, I am proud to support you and the people of Moldova.
After a year of this war, there is no doubt about our coalition, but it still calls into question the unity of NATO, but the Alliance will not be divided and continue to support Ukraine. Putin tries to seize the land and territory, but he failed. Democratic countries stand together and forever. We defend freedom - a message that I brought to Kiev.
When President Zelensky came to Washington in December, he said it was a battle for determining in which world our children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren will live in. He spoke not only about Ukrainians, but also about Poles, Americans and other peoples of Europe. We have seen the appetite of tyrants, autocrats for decades. The only word they understand is no, no. You won't take my country, you won't take my freedom.
The dictator who builds the empire will never be able to defeat the people of the people for freedom. The brutality will never break the desire for freedom. Ukraine will never win Russia. Free people will never agree to live in darkness and captivity. The incredible cruelty of Russian troops and mercenaries who committed crimes against humanity. They were specifically beat in civilian population, raped, abducted Ukrainian children, bombed stations, schools, hospitals, maternity hospitals.
This is terrible. The Ukrainian people and the world answered. A year after the bombs began to fall and Russian tanks broke into Ukraine, it is still independent and free. From Kherson to Kharkiv, Ukrainian fighters reflect their territory, on these lands the flag of Ukraine again. President Zelensky heads the democratic government of Ukraine, which represents the will of the people. Several times the UN General Assembly condemned Russian aggression.
Currently, the UN has full support for Ukraine, in October, the organization condemned illegal annexation in Ukraine, only four countries, together with Russia, voted against. The US and European countries do not want to destroy and control Russia. Millions of Russians want to live in peace with their neighbors and not be enemies. What is happening is a tragedy. Putin decided to solve this war, and every day is his choice. It can stop this war at any moment, and then it will end.
But if Ukraine ceases to fight, it will disappear from the map. Ukraine should be able to protect itself, it is necessary to provide air defense systems, tanks, armored vehicles to protect Ukraine. The European Union has increased its assistance unprecedentedly, and it is not only about military assistance but also economic and humanitarian. Let's evaluate what we did: Poland has reflected 1. 5 million Ukrainian refugees, May God bless you. The generosity of the Poles is incredible.
Americans are united in our determination - from small to large cities there are Ukrainian flags that Americans put on their homes. Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress support freedom as it is our essence. The world is fighting the consequences of the war, Putin wanted to starve the world through the Black Sea blockade so that Ukraine could not export grain, but the US, G7 and the international community united to restore food access.
We are devoted to the people of Ukraine, democracy and its future. Ukraine is free, independent and sovereign, more than 30 years ago, it proclaimed independence, then was the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity. The Heavenly Hundred died in the struggle for these values. For years, the heroes, the Patriots of Ukraine have won the Donbas. It was for me to honor Kiev yesterday and see this self -sacrifice of the Ukrainian people. I stood with President Zelensky.
The US understand how difficult it is to work throughout Ukraine, to carry out repair work, the work of doctors, teachers to continue their lives. Throughout Europe, the countries are united to help Ukraine, today the first lady of Poland has spoken about these human values that unite us. Thank you so much. I will never forget when I saw refugees from Ukraine who came to Poland last year. These were exhausted people who left their relatives in Ukraine.
And you, the Poles, sheltered them and gave them safety. It was necessary to look at their faces. Russia has to pay for its crimes. We with our international partners will announce new sanctions. Anyone who is responsible for this war will be punished for crimes. We need to understand clearly when we look forward that protecting freedom is not a matter of year or time. This is always important. There will be still difficult and bitter days.
It is a tragedy, but Ukraine is devoted to the struggle, and the US and partners should support it. Next year, there will be a summit in the United States to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the creation of the world's most powerful Alliance-NATO. And let no one doubt our devotion to the fifth NATO article. Russia knows it very well, and everyone knows - an attack on one will be an attack on everyone, it is a sacred oath.
Last year, the United States united with allies and created a large coalition against Russian aggression. It is about what we act for. This coalition should improve security for everyone, provide a decent attitude to all and democracy around the world. We are currently seeing a turning point in history that will determine the future for decades. It is true for us and people around the world.
It is necessary to protect the eternal principles - the choice between hope and fear, between freedom and freedom, between restrictions and opportunities. Opportunities appear when people are free. There is no sweeter word than freedom. There is no higher desire than freedom. America is built on this, you know it. This is raised by our children, our grandchildren. Freedom is something that has been fighting for centuries. We are devoted to being allies who are on the side of peace.