Biden news: President calls Ukraine ‘Tiananmen Square, squared’ as he’s blocked from visit to border
This blog has now closed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Biden eats pizza with troops in Poland and recalls how son Beau hid his name on front lines
Did Joe Biden serve in the US military?- Biden says he was told he wasn’t allowed to go to Ukraine as he praises ‘back bone’ of Ukrainian people
Plane carrying Polish president Andrzej Duda makes emergency landing in Warsaw
Explainer: What is the G20 and could Russia be expelled?
US president Joe Biden has said that Russia should be expelled from the Group of 20 (G20) alliance of major economies as punishment for Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Joe Sommerlad explains the origins and purpose of the group.
What is the G20 and could Russia be expelled?
US president Joe Biden backs Vladimir Putin’s banishment from summit of world’s major economies as punishment for Ukraine war
Biden thanks personnel for their service, joins them for pizza
The toppings appear to be jalapeño, pepperoni, and black olives.
President Andrzej Duda’s plane has landed
Following an earlier emergency landing, Polish President Andrzej Duda’s plane has just landed at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport.
Trump 2024? Biden says he’d be ‘very fortunate’ to face off with predecessor again
Asked about the next US presidential election at a press conference in Brussels, Joe Biden said he would feel “fortunate” to run against Donald Trump again, even as European governments worry that the 45th president could return to the White House.
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.
Biden says he’d be ‘very fortunate’ to have Trump run against him in 2024
President said he was spurred to challenge his predecessor by 2017’s deadly far-right rally in Charlottesville
ICYMI: Biden to boost US gas supplies to Europe
The United States has agreed to step up gas exports to the European Union in a bid to reduce reliance eon Russian supplies
Under a deal announce on Friday Joe Biden promised the US would deliver at least 15 billion cubic metres (bcm) more liquid natural gas to Europe than under previous plans.
The accord was struck by Mr Biden and EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on Friday, which the US president is attending.
Jon Stone reports for The Independent from Brussels.
Joe Biden agrees to boost US gas supplies to Europe to reduce dependence on Russia
Deal to replace Russian supply announced at EU summit on Friday
Biden tells troops how son Beau hid his name on front lines
While meeting with US troops in Poland over a pizza lunch, President Joe Biden shared an anecdote about visiting his late son Beau, who served in the Iraq War.
Years ago, the president said, he tried to visit Beau in Baghdad, but had trouble finding him.
“I walked in and I was looking for my son, and I’m going around wondering, ‘Where the hell is my son?’” Mr Biden told the soldiers. When he finally found him, he realized his son had used a different surname on his nametag.
Nathan Place has the story.
Biden tells troops how son Beau hid his name on front lines
‘I walked in and I was looking for my son, and I’m going around wondering, “Where the hell is my son?”’ the president recalled
Biden and Duda receive briefing on humanitarian response
President Joe Biden and President Adrzej Duda are receiving a briefing on the humanitarian response to the Ukraine refugee crisis from USAID chief Samantha Power.
Explainer: How the US is expanding aid to Ukrainian refugees
While in Brussels to meet with European allies, President Joe Biden said the United States would admit up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees and provide $1bn in humanitarian assistance to countries affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Here’s what the US is doing to help.
EXPLAINER: How U.S. is expanding aid to Ukrainian refugees
The United States is expanding efforts to help refugees fleeing Ukraine after Russia invaded
Biden says ‘they will not let me’ cross border into Ukraine
Highlighting the refugee crisis caused by Russia’s invasion, President Joe Biden says he believes his accusations that Putin is a war criminal will meet the legal definition.
He says he is disappointed that he can’t see the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine first hand, las he might’ve before he became president.
President Biden says they won’t let him cross the border from Poland, but adds it is understandable given the safety concerns.
He says that the sight of Ukrainians standing up to the Russian invasion is like “Tiananmen Square, squared”.
Biden praises ‘back bone’ of Ukrainian people, 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 cannot 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 has the latest.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments