'Don't tell us, show us, President Putin': Biden on Ukraine
Ukraine had the right to defend itself from pro-Russian separatists waging war in the east: Biden
MUNICH (AFP) - US Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday launched a passionate plea to Vladimir Putin to show by his actions that the Russian leader desires peace in Ukraine.
"Given Russia s recent history, we need to judge its deeds not its words. Don t tell us, show us, President Putin," Biden told a global security conference in Munich, shortly after the Russian leader said Moscow did not want war.
While he did not directly say that Washington would provide arms to Kiev, Biden insisted Ukraine had the right to defend itself from pro-Russian separatists waging war in the east.
Washington would continue to aid Kiev, Biden pledged, adding "too many times President Putin has promised peace and delivered tanks and troops and weapons".
"So we will continue to provide Ukraine with security assistance. Not to encourage war but to allow Ukraine to defend itself."
"Let me be clear: We do not believe there is a military solution in Ukraine," Biden told the Munich conference.
"But let me be equally clear: We do not believe Russia has the right to do what they re doing.
"We believe we should attempt an honourable peace. We also believe the Ukrainian people have a right to defend themselves," the American vice president added, winning applause from the audience.
