Putin is not interested in ‘serious diplomacy’, says US Vice President Harris
US Vice President Kamala Harris called the United States’ commitment to defending NATO members “ironclad” in remarks along the eastern edge of the alliance.
“We take our role and our relationship in NATO very seriously,” Harris said at a joint press conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. “We take seriously and are ready to act on the words we speak when we say an attack on one is an attack on all.”
“We are firm in our commitment,” she continued. “When I say and we say again and again, President Joe Biden is saying, ‘We will defend every square inch of NATO territory.'”
Harris said responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine means reaffirming NATO’s commitment.
“We are clear that the work that needs to be done in response to Putin’s war includes a strong position within the alliance to meet the needs of our partners,” she said.
Harris praised Romania’s support for Ukrainian refugees, saying the humanitarian needs are “significant and immediate”.
She said the United States would commit more funds to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Europe.
Harris was also asked about the possibility of the war spreading to Romania.
“As to what Putin’s future conduct might be, I cannot speculate,” Harris said. “But we are clear in our position, which is that as a member of NATO, an attack on one is an attack on all.”
His host, the Romanian president, sought to play down fears that Putin could turn to Romania next.
“We have no information that Romania is a target of aggression,” he said through an interpreter. “On the other hand, it’s very clear, it’s very clear that this Russian action, this war started against Ukraine, has definitely created a hard-to-produce result, a visible enterprise, a clear result. And that’s represented by the NATO unit.”