Zelensky thanks American president for “unwavering support” in struggle for freedom, as Biden declines second term bid

US President Joe Biden refused to run for a second presidential term. The first reactions of the leaders of several countries have already appeared. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi also thanked US President Joe Biden for his "unwavering support for our country's struggle for freedom."

Reuters reports this, and Zelensky posts this on X.

"Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his steadfast support of our country's struggle for freedom, which, together with strong bipartisan support in the United States, was and remains critically important," he said.

Ukraine's leader noted that in the past few years, Biden has made numerous resolute choices that will go down in history as courageous actions in the face of challenging circumstances.

"And we respect his difficult but strong decision today. We will always be grateful for President Biden's leadership. He supported our country at the most dramatic moment in history, helped us prevent Putin's occupation of our country, and continues to support us throughout this terrible war," Zelensky emphasized.

The President added that the current situation in Ukraine and all of Europe is no less difficult, "and we sincerely hope that the continued strong leadership of America will not allow Russian evil to achieve success or the results of its aggression."

Great Britain's reaction

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Biden's decision and looked forward to working together for the remainder of his presidency.

He noted that the US president made his decision based on what was in the interests of the American people.

Germany's reaction

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on the X social network (formerly Twitter) that Biden has achieved much for the United States, Europe, and the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the United States is "a good and reliable partner for us."

"His decision not to run again deserves recognition," Scholz emphasized.

Spain's reaction

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed admiration and recognition of the president's decision. He noted that thanks to Biden's determination and leadership, the United States overcame the economic crisis after the pandemic and the attacks on the Capitol. Furthermore, Biden showed exceptional support for Ukraine in the face of aggression from Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

"A great gesture from a great president who always fought for democracy and freedom," Sanchez added.

Ireland's reaction

In connection with the US President's statement, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, on behalf of the people and the government, thanked Biden for his global leadership and friendship.

In all his positions, he emphasized that Joe Biden was always an unwavering voice and a passionate fighter for peace on the island of Ireland.

"And our country owes him a big debt for that," the prime minister added.

Norway's reaction

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said he respects US President Biden's decision not to run for re-election.

"He justifies his decision by saying he wants to put the country before himself. Such an argument commands respect," Støre said in a statement to Reuters.

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It should be noted that Biden announced his decision not to run for a second presidential term on the social network X. He attached a letter to his publication in which he wrote that in the interests of his party and the country, "it is better for him to step aside and focus exclusively on fulfilling his duties office as president for the remainder of his term of office."

Biden also announced that he will contact US citizens later this week with more detailed information about his decision.

The decision sparked a wave of activity on Sunday. Biden called Vice President Kamala Harris, Chief of Staff Jeff Zints, and campaign chairwoman Jen O'Malley Dillon separately to inform them. He then held a phone call with other senior advisers at the White House before publicly announcing plans to withdraw from the nomination.

Biden's announcement at X surprised most other White House and campaign staff, who had seen no signs that he was reconsidering his candidacy.

Zints is responsible for significant communication within the embattled administration, managing calls to Cabinet members and senior White House staff. Tomorrow morning, Zints has scheduled a conference call with all White House staff and appointees throughout the executive branch.

"I am very proud to work for President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the American people — along with all of you, the best White House team in history," Zints wrote in an email to staff. There is still so much work to be done, and as President Biden says, "there is nothing America can't do when we do it together."

The media earlier began to write that the US Democratic Party is discussing replacing Biden with another candidate. Previously, Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer were considered potential candidates.