Biden at West Point: "I'm determined" to keep U.S. soldiers out of war in Ukraine

• Though the president didn't mention Trump by name, he emphasized values Democrats have painted as under threat by another Trump term such as freedom and equal rights. Biden's speech focused mostly on praising the work of the U.S. military.

What he's saying: "There are no American soldiers at war in Ukraine," Biden said. "I'm determined to keep it that way."

• The president noted "historic investments" in the U.S. military and what he dubbed his willingness to use force when necessary.
• He mentioned his late son Beau's service and recognized American soldiers for both supporting Ukraine against Russian assault and providing aid in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.

This was Biden's third time serving as West Point's commencement speaker, per the New York Times.

The bottom line: It was an opportunity for the president to offset criticism not only of U.S. support in Ukraine but of the country's handling of the war in Gaza and related student protests on college campuses.

Go deeper: Biden's Morehouse commencement address sees few disruptions, some walkouts