What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 17 Recap
President Biden, in East Palestine, Ohio, emphasized ongoing support and accountability following last year’s train derailment. He praised the community's resilience and commitment to recovery, stating that the federal government will ensure Norfolk Southern railroad takes full responsibility for the disaster. The President announced initiatives, including health studies and support for rail safety legislation, underscoring a comprehensive response to address immediate needs and long-term impacts. Biden's speech highlighted the unity and strength of the American spirit in facing adversity.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany in Munich, emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic partnership in tackling global challenges. Harris praised Germany's significant support for Ukraine's defense and Scholz's leadership in rallying European and international backing for Ukraine's economic stability. They addressed reports of Alexey Navalny's death, highlighting it as evidence of Russian brutality and the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Furthermore, Harris and Scholz committed to closely coordinate their strategies in dealing with competition from the People's Republic of China.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Munich, Germany, to discuss Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Harris highlighted the U.S. administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine, noting bipartisan backing for Ukraine's sovereignty. She also acknowledged Ukraine's progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration and stressed the importance of combating corruption and strengthening democratic institutions for Ukraine's future recovery and reconstruction post-conflict.
A joint press conference in Munich, Germany, featured Vice President Harris and President Zelenskyy discussing the enduring support of the United States for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia. Harris highlighted the U.S.'s commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and the bipartisan support in Congress for aid to Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of continued U.S. support and the unity of the free world against Russian aggression. The conference also addressed concerns about U.S. domestic politics affecting support for Ukraine and discussed ongoing and future security cooperation between the two nations.
In a phone call, President Biden reaffirmed the U.S.'s support for Ukraine to President Zelenskyy, highlighting the urgency for Congress to pass a funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces. This comes as Ukraine's military faced setbacks, including a withdrawal from Avdiivka due to ammunition shortages, marking Russia's first significant gains in months. Biden stressed bipartisan U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and the importance of holding Russia accountable for its actions.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a joint press conference before a bilateral meeting in Munich, Germany
