Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has commended his US counterpart, Joe Biden, for his “bold steps” in supporting Ukraine.
In a statement on his X handle, Zelensky praised Biden’s “tough but strong decision” to end his reelection bid.
“The current situation in Ukraine and Europe is challenging, and we hope America’s leadership will prevent Russian aggression from succeeding,” Zelensky wrote.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race has sent shockwaves through the political world. In a statement, Biden said he was standing down to focus on his duties as President for the remainder of his term.
“I believe it’s in the best interest of my party and the country,” Biden said. “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus on my duties as President. My first decision as party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made.
“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
The developments followed a stumbling debate performance that widely alarmed Democrats about the 81-year-old president’s fitness for office and ability to defeat former president Donald Trump who recently escaped an assassination plot.
Biden’s withdrawal leaves the Democrats in an unprecedented position with months until the November election.
