Biden news: President calls Ukraine ‘Tiananmen Square, squared’ as he’s blocked from visit to border
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President Joe Biden is visiting Poland, which is bearing the brunt of an exodus of Ukrainians fleeing the attack on their country.
Mr Biden’s first stop was the town of Rzeszów, less than 100km (62 miles) from the south-eastern border with Ukraine. He and President Andrzej Duda were briefed on the humanitarian relief response taking place and Mr Biden met with US service personnel stationed there.
In remarks, the president reiterated his belief that Vladimir Putin is a war criminal and described brave resistance of the citizens of Ukraine as “Tiananmen Square, squared”. The president also said he was disappointed that he was unable to cross the border to see the situation for himself, implying that the security concerns were too great — there had been much speculation about such a visit.
Both presidents will meet formally in Warsaw on Saturday.
The visit comes after a marathon series of meetings on Thursday with Nato, G7 and EU leaders in Brussels. Mr Biden said the extraordinary summit was a testimony to the unity of the US and its allies in the face of Russian aggression in Europe.
A number of new sanctions were imposed on Russia as leaders met, and the president said he also wants Russia removed from the G2. He stressed that it is the organisation’s decision whether to do so, adding that an alternative would be for Ukraine to attend as an observer.
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Reflecting on his own standing among world leaders – even as his domestic approval ratings remain low – Mr Biden remarked that the US’s reputation had recovered quickly since Mr Trump put its crucial western alliances under severe strain.
Andrew Naughtie reports.
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Jon Stone reports for The Independent from Brussels.
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Biden says he was told he wasn’t allowed to go to Ukraine
US President Joe Biden on Friday said his advisers have told him he could not visit the Poland-Ukraine border because of security concerns, as he hailed the courage of Ukrainians – soldiers and ordinary citizens alike – who’ve taken up arms to defend against the now month-long unprovoked Russian invasion of their country.
Andrew Feinberg reports.
Biden: Nato would respond ‘in kind’ to Russian use of chemical weapons
Joe Biden says that Nato would respond “in kind” if Vladimir Putin used chemical weapons in Ukraine.
The president spoke after a day of summits in Belgium with Nato allies, the European Union and G7 partners.
Mr Biden was asked if chemical weapons were used in Ukraine, “would that trigger a military response from Nato”.
Graeme Massie reports.
Joe Biden says Nato would respond ‘in kind’ to Russian use of chemical weapons
President spoke after summits with allied leaders in Belgium
Explainer: How the US is expanding aid to Ukrainian refugees
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Biden calls Ukraine ‘Tiananmen Square, squared’ as border visit a no-go - follow live
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Biden: Ukraine should be able to attend G20 meetings if efforts to expel Russia unsuccessful
President Joe Biden has called for Ukraine to be welcomed at future G20 summits should US attempts to expel Russia be unsuccessful.
After meeting with European allies on Thursday in Brussels, Mr Biden told a press conference it was time to step up efforts to isolate Russia from the international community.
He said if G20 member countries blocked his request to remove Russia, then Ukraine should be invited to attend the meetings.
Bevan Hurley reports.
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Ukraine support rally in Warsaw as Biden arrives
A large crowd rallied in support of Ukraine outside the Palace of Culture and Science in central Warsaw as President Biden arrived in the Polish capital.
CBS News’ Ed O’Keefe reported that the mostly young crowd are chanting in English: “Close the sky! Close the sky! Close the sky!”
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