Biden says that the United States and Europe do not seek to destroy Russia

President Joe Biden rejected the allegations of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and emphasized that the United States and Europe do not seek to destroy or control Russia.

“Tonight I am speaking again to the people of Russia. The United States and the countries of Europe do not seek to control or destroy Russia,” Biden said in Warsaw on Tuesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Putin said the West was trying to destroy Russia and blamed Kiev’s allies for starting the war.

“President Putin chose this war,” Biden said of Russia’s all-out invasion of neighboring Ukraine nearly a year ago. “Putin can end the war with one word.”

Biden also highlighted Ukraine’s resistance and NATO unity, delivering a keynote address in Warsaw ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s all-out invasion.

“A year ago, the world was preparing for the fall of Kiev,” Biden said. “Well, I just came from a visit to Kiev and can report on Kiev’s strong position.”

“Kiev stands proud, stands tall, and most importantly, stands free,” Biden said at the Warsaw Royal Castle, which was a symbol of the city that was largely destroyed in World War Two and rebuilt later.

Biden said that “Russian President Vladimir Putin’s desire for land and power” was matched not only by the Ukrainian armed forces but also by the “iron will of the Americans”.

“Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia. It never will be,” he said.

Biden traveled to Kiev on Monday and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.