President Joe Biden and I reject the idea that the US should isolate itself from the rest of the world; Such thinking is dangerous, destabilizing and short-sighted, US Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday during the Munich Security Conference.

I believe that it is in the fundamental interests of the American people that the United States can fulfill its role as a global leader. As President Joe Biden and I have made clear over the past three years, we are committed to continuing our global engagement, upholding international rules and norms, and defending democracy at home and abroad.

Harris said in Munich.

Our approach is not based on charity. I firmly believe that the US commitment to building and maintaining alliances has helped America become one of the strongest and most prosperous countries in the world.

– emphasized the Vice President.

Maintaining our global leadership role is in the direct interest of the American people. Our leadership keeps us safe, supports jobs, secures supply chains, and opens new markets for our goods

– said the politician.

Imagine if America abandoned Ukraine and abandoned its allies. He treats Putin gently and even encourages him (to carry out further aggression). (…) If we stand idly by while an invader invades neighboring territory with impunity, he will continue to advance. In Putin's case, this means all of Europe would be at risk

Harris argued.

He argued that isolating America, tolerating dictators and not fulfilling its obligations would “weaken America.”

Harris recalled that “Kiev is free and strong today” thanks to the support of the West, united under US leadership, and that Ukrainian heroism and the support provided by the US and Europe allowed Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and reclaim more than half of the territory it initially occupied by the aggressor.

According to the American vice president, Putin's war has been a complete failure for Russia.

The Russian army suffered heavy losses – 2/3 of its tanks and more than 1/3 of its fleet in the Black Sea. Due to Putin's aggression and recklessness, Russian losses reached 300,000 lives. victim. This number is five times more than during the 10 years of the (Soviet Union) war in Afghanistan

Haris noted.

With the support of bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress, we will act to secure the critical resources of weapons and (other) materials that Ukraine so desperately needs. Failure would be Putin's gift

– said the American vice president.

NATO's key role

He also emphasized NATO's key role as a defense alliance that is now “stronger than ever.”

An attack on one (pact member) is an attack on all parties. For 75 years, NATO countries have adhered to this solemn commitment – including on September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked America and Art. 5 Alliances. NATO then stood with America

– he emphasized, rejecting attempts to undermine the meaning of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and US involvement in its activities.

If we fail to hold Russia accountable, other authoritarian leaders around the world will feel emboldened. They look and draw conclusions. History has also shown us that if we want to turn within ourselves, we cannot overcome external threats

— he warned, stressing that isolation does not necessarily mean effective protection.

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mly/PAP