From AP: Biden said he wanted to send “an unequivocal, clear message to all who will listen and some who don’t want to listen, that America stands with you and will continue to stand . . .”

Russia and the West are also divided over Ukraine and Georgia’s efforts to join NATO. In Ukraine, Biden reiterated Washington’s support for the country’s NATO membership, if Ukrainians decide to pursue that goal.

The U.S. has pledged to support NATO membership for Georgia, where popular support for the idea is much greater. But Germany and other European member states are skeptical.