Biden news: President calls Ukraine ‘Tiananmen Square, squared’ as he’s blocked from visit to border

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.

Watch: Biden says he told Xi aiding Russia would put him in ‘significant jeopardy’

Biden says he told Xi aiding Russia would put him in ‘significant jeopardy’

US President Joe Biden has said he warned Chinese leader Xi Jinping that taking any steps to aid Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine would put him and his country in “significant jeopardy”. Speaking from Nato headquarters in Brussels, Mr Biden was asked if he has seen any indication that China will or will not intervene in the conflict to aid Russia. The president did not respond directly, but instead referred back to the two-hour conversation he had with Mr Xi last week.Mr Biden said he did not threaten Mr Xi, but “[made] sure he understood the consequences of him helping Russia”. Sign up to our US evening newsletter here

Oliver O'Connell26 March 2022 09:15

Oliver O'Connell26 March 2022 09:45

Biden in Poland - A complex ally on Ukraine’s doorstep

President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland as his final stop in Europe this week offers a chance to underscore U.S. commitment to protect a key NATO member on Ukraine’s doorstep, and thank Poles for their generous welcome to refugees fleeing Russia‘s invasion.

But Poland is also a complicated ally whose populist leaders are accused by some European partners of riding roughshod over democratic norms, and many liberal Poles will be seeking a sign that the U.S. remembers its role in promoting democracy.

Biden to visit Poland, a complex ally on Ukraine's doorstep

President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland as his final stop in Europe this week offers a chance to underscore U.S. commitment to protect a key NATO member on Ukraine’s doorstep

Oliver O'Connell26 March 2022 10:15

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