US President Joe Biden (right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (left). Figure: New head shell synthesis (file photo)
US President Joe Biden delivered a speech in Poland on the 26th. In addition to criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin for stifling democracy and interfering in NATO, he also pointed out that Putin “should not continue to be in power.” The White House quickly clarified that an official said the statement was to prepare the world’s democracies for a long-term conflict over Ukraine, not to demand regime change in Russia.
Biden delivered a “major speech” at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, on the evening of the 26th. He said that Ukraine’s actions to fight for the country have prompted all mankind to unite and fight for democracy, emphasizing that “we are with the Ukrainians.”
But Biden denounced Putin for his authoritarian tactics that stifled democracy and sought to influence other countries to abolish the sovereignty of their neighbors. As for Putin’s relationship with NATO, Biden claimed that the Russian authorities attempted to discredit and spread rumors that NATO undermined Russia’s sovereignty and stability. Biden refuted this. NATO is a defensive alliance and never intended to destroy Russia. Instead, Putin chose to go to war and directly challenge the international order. He also warned Putin to “don’t try to touch NATO for half an inch.”
At the end of the speech, Biden said: “For God’s sake, this person cannot continue to be in power.” This speech caused international heated debate and was regarded as Biden’s most obvious statement on the Russian regime. Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov countered: “This is not for Biden to decide. This should only be chosen by the people of the Russian Federation.” In response, White House officials also hurriedly explained that Biden did not ask Russia to replace The regime, his implication is that “Putin must not exercise power in the neighboring countries”.