Biden told 1,200 graduating cadets in Annapolis, Maryland, that they are entering military service at a time of many global challenges and they will be charged with helping “preserve stability in an uncertain world.”

“We’re going to look to you to ensure the security of the American people,” he said.

Biden, who helped form a coalition of nations to oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, had harsh words for Putin and said his attempt to divide NATO allies had failed.

“Not only is he trying to take over Ukraine, he’s literally trying to wipe out the culture and identity of the Ukrainian people. Attacking schools, nurseries, hospitals, museums, with no other purpose than to eliminate a culture,” Biden said.

Putin tried to “Finland-ize” Europe but “instead he NATO-ized all of Europe,” said Biden, a reference to neutral nations Finland and Sweden’s plans to join the alliance.