US President Biden delivers a speech at a NATO event commemorating the alliance’s 75th anniversary in Washington, the United States, on July 9, 2024.
Yves Herman | Reuters
President Biden announced new commitments to help Ukraine strengthen its air defenses against Russia in a commemorative speech on Tuesday NATO75th anniversary.
“What Putin wants most is the total conquest of Ukraine and the end of democracy in Ukraine,” Biden said. “We know Putin won’t stop in Ukraine. But make no mistake: Ukraine can and will stop Putin, especially in our With full collective support.”
The aid will include new batteries and components for the Patriot missile system donated by the United States, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands and other partners. Italy will donate an additional SAMP-T missile system.
Biden said through a teleprompter that more air defense supplies will be distributed to Ukraine in the coming months.
The news comes two years after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a brutal invasion of Ukraine that has become a source of contention on Capitol Hill as lawmakers remain divided over whether to continue funding Ukraine’s defense.
Biden’s speech was also the latest example of the fragmented picture at this week’s 2024 NATO summit: As the president holds high-stakes meetings with foreign allies, his political future in the U.S. Democratic Party hangs in the balance.
Authorities in Washington, D.C., increased security and blocked roads near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the White House in preparation for the NATO summit.
Seral Gunes | Anadolu | Getty Images
The president’s speech on Tuesday was another chance for him to ease Democratic concerns about his 2024 candidacy, following a poor performance in a June debate with former President Donald Trump.
Fissures have since emerged within the Democratic Party, with some lawmakers, donors and strategists publicly urging Biden to drop out of the race and allow a new nominee to step forward.
Earlier Tuesday, Rep. Mikie Sherrill joined the growing ranks. consistent Democratic lawmakers formally called on Biden to withdraw.
Others expressed continued support for the president in public statements but expressed their reservations privately.
While some Democrats remain tight-lipped about concerns about the president’s election, many have publicly pointed to this week’s NATO summit as adding to the pressure given looming re-election doubts.
The summit was a timely display of growing Democratic anxiety about losing to Trump in November. The former president said he would consider withdrawing the United States from the 32-member military alliance if he wins re-election.
“Americans, they know that we are stronger with our friends, and we understand that this is a sacred obligation,” Biden said in a NATO speech.
Since his June 27 debate fumble, Biden has made several public appearances to try to restore confidence in his candidacy, including a 22-minute interview with ABC News on Friday. So far, his public performance has done little to allay Democratic concerns.
“The president needs to engage with voters and prove to those who are skeptical that he can do the job,” Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said in a radio interview on Sunday. “If he can’t do that, then he has to make a decision.”
Biden is scheduled to hold a separate news conference Thursday night, his much-anticipated chance to prove he can communicate with reporters in an impromptu setting.
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