By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
MOSCOW/AMSTERDAM/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – World leaders have started to react to U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, with some praising him for his courage while others are happy he is leaving office.
Biden’s unprecedented move was expected to impact many, including Europe, facing its bloodiest armed conflict since World War Two.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Biden’s “unwavering support” since Russia invaded his country in February 2022.
“We will always be thankful for President Biden’s leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war,” he said.
In March, Biden asserted that Kyiv could prevail against Moscow if the U.S. continued to stand with Ukraine “and provide the weapons it needs to defend itself,” but stopping short of deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine.
With President Donald J. Trump leading the polls, it was unclear when and if those military commitments continue. Even if Harris wins the presidency, questions remain.
RUSSIA REACTS
In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were still four months until the elections, which is “a long period during which a lot can change.”
Speaking to Russian media, Peskov said, “We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens next. Our priority is achieving the goals of the SVO [special military operation], not the results of the elections in the U.S.”
The months ahead are also closely watched in Israel, where fighting continues against Hamas in Gaza while other wars appear on the horizon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to have talks with Harris this week, Worthy News monitored.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his “unwavering support of Israel over the years.”
“Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship,” Gallant wrote on social media platform X.
‘DEMOCRACY STRONGER’
The Biden administration’s backing of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza “cost him a significant amount of political capital internationally,” critics said.
Yet Biden’s “difficult” decision to leave was acknowledged by Polish President Donald Tusk and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala as driven by the larger interest of the U.S.
“Dear President @JoeBiden. You’ve taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger. I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life,” Tusk wrote on social media platform X.
Similarly, Fiala highlighted that Biden’s move was “a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable.”
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer agrees, saying: “I respect President Biden’s decision, and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.”
There was no praise for Biden’s legacy from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, one of Europe’s staunchest supporters of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump as he seeks re-election. “I believe President Donald Trump did not survive the heinous assassination attempt [last week] by chance. He survived for a reason: to bring peace to the world once again. God bless him! “ Orbán wrote on X.
However, further away in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Biden for acting in what he believed to be the best interests of the U.S. “as he has done his whole public life.”
Former U.S. President Barack Obama praised Biden’s “outstanding track record” and called him a “dear friend and partner.”
‘TRUE FRIEND’
“For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest [decisions] in his life,” Obama wrote.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Biden “a true friend” and a “partner to Canadians.”
“I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country,” he wrote in a post on the social media platform Instagram.
“As President, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you,” Trudeau added.
In the Netherlands, preparations were underway for a post-Biden era: former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will soon become the next secretary general of the NATO military alliance.
Rutte, who had a good relationship with Biden, is all but certain to either face the NATO critical Trump or Harris as his next most important American partner at a time when the alliance faces significant security challenges.
Copyright 1999-2024 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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