Biden lays out stakes for democracy, says Putin 'cannot remain in power'

WARSAW, Poland (TND) — President Joe Biden reaffirmed the West’s support for Ukraine and lambasted Russian President Vladimir Putin for an unprovoked war on a sovereign nation in a speech on the final day of his trip to Europe.

Biden’s speech came as Russian forces continued to bombard cities across Ukraine, including Lviv, the closest major Ukrainian city to Poland.

The president’s remarks laid out the stakes for democratic nations to protect their values from autocratic regimes. He finished his speech by calling for Putin’s removal.

“For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power,” Biden said.

After the speech, a White House official said Biden was not calling for a regime change in Russia.

“The president’s point was that Putin cannot be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors or the region. He was not discussing Putin’s power in Russia, or regime change," the official said.

Biden has stepped up his attacks on Putin in recent days, describing him as a war criminal, a butcher and now calling for his removal. Speaking in Poland's capital city, the president told the world's democracies to prepare for continued Russian aggression for years to come.

"All freedom loving nations, we must commit now to be this fight for the long haul. We must remain unified today and tomorrow and the day after, and for the years and decades to come. It will not be easy," Biden said. "There will be cost but it's a price we have to pay because the darkness that drives autocracy is only no match for the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere."

While warning allies of the long fight ahead, Biden warned the Kremlin of steep consequences if it sent troops to a NATO ally.

"Don't even think about moving on one single inch of NATO territory," he said. "We have a sacred obligation under Article Five to defend each and every inch of NATO territory with the full force our collective power."

Russia's invasion has brought on sanctions from the U.S. and many Western allies, which have crippled the Russian economy and caused the value of its currency, the ruble, to plummet. American lawmakers have continued to press for more sanctions and removing Russia's favored nation status as a trading partner to further isolate Russia from the rest of the world.

Biden called on Europe to end its dependence on Russian oil and gas to prevent an energy crisis and to take away Russia's most profitable sector of its economy. U.S. officials announced on Friday they had come to an agreement on an energy deal to replace Russian energy with American products.

The deal will supply Europe with enough liquid natural gas to meet about a third of its energy needs.

Biden spent the final day of his trip to Europe meeting with Poland President Andrzej Duda and visiting with Ukrainian refugees.

He told Duda that the United States would defend Poland and its other NATO allies from any attacks by Russia. Biden said the “collective defense” agreement of NATO is a “sacred commitment," and the unity of the Western military alliance was of the utmost importance.

Nearly 4 million people have left Ukraine as the Russian assault has intensified, and around 2.2 million of them crossed into Poland. The United States said earlier this week it would take in as many as 100,000 refugees.

The president met with refugees and humanitarian aid workers ahead of his speech, where he marveled at their resolve.

“What I'm always surprised by is the depth and strength of the human spirit. I mean it sincerely. And it’s incredible, it’s incredible,” Biden told reporters.

The U.S. has approved billions to help Ukraine and other European allies provide resources for Ukrainians fleeing the war and sent military equipment for Ukraine’s forces.