Joe Biden discusses Ukraine crisis with EU leaders, reiterates commitment towards transatlantic unity

According to a White House official, the discussion focused on Russia and Ukraine, including continued support for sanctions and humanitarian assistance, with a strong message of transatlantic unity.

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden on Thursday (March 24, 2022) reiterated commitment towards transatlantic unity in the backdrop of Russia`s invasion of Ukraine in a meeting with the leaders of the European Union (EU) at their Council meeting. 

"President Biden enjoyed a warm and friendly meeting with EU leaders at their Council meeting tonight, where he shook the hand of nearly every leader in the room and spoke longer with several of them," a White House official said.

The official also informed that the discussion in the Council meeting focused on Russia and Ukraine, including continued support for sanctions and humanitarian assistance, with a strong message of transatlantic unity and the need to stay the course animating the evening.

"President Biden delivered powerful closing remarks, speaking from the heart about why Europe – the EU, NATO, the transatlantic alliance--is so important to the US," added the official.

Notably, before heading for the Council meeting, Biden had said that he would "discuss China" with the European Council, reported CNN.

According to ANI, on being asked if he trusts China, Biden said, "Yes," before adding "well, we`ll discuss China. I`ve spent some time with Xi Jinping and I hope we`re gonna get the chance to discuss China.

"He also said that unity between the United States and Europe was "the single most important thing that we can do to stop this guy (Putin) who`s, in our country, we believe he`s already committed war crimes", according to ANI.

Russia began a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24 after the Donetsk and Luhansk people`s republics requested help in defending themselves. What followed the military operation was a slew of sanctions imposed by the western countries targeting the Russian economy.

(With ANI inputs)