US President Barack Obama marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism in Poland in a special ceremony in Warsaw.
The enduring theme of his visit to Europe is the US’s commitment to stand alongside nations in the east of Europe.
On this the second day of his four-day trip he recalled Poland’s struggle to democracy before his rhetoric turned to events in Ukraine.
“How can we allow the dark tactics of the 20th century to define the 21st?” he asked the audience which included heads of state and members of royalty.
“We will not accept Russia’s occupation of Crimea or its violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty, “ he said
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“As we’ve been reminded by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, “ he added, “ our free nations cannot be complacent in pursuit of the vision we share – a Europe that is whole and at peace.”
