Biden assures Zelensky of unwavering US support
BLINKEN ANNOUNCES $1.85 BILLION MILITARY AID INCLUDING PATRIOT MISSILES
US President Joe Biden vowed yesterday to step up support for Ukraine and hailed their resistance to Russian forces as he welcomed President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House.
“We’re going to continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly air defence,” Biden told Zelensky, who thanked the US leader “for your big support.”
Their summit was Zelensky’s first known trip outside his home country since the war began in February.
Biden and first lady Jill Biden greeted Zelensky, as he got out of his vehicle. He shook hands with Biden before they went inside for their Oval Office meeting, followed by a news conference. In the evening, Zelensky was due to address Congress.
“I am in Washington today to thank the American people, the President and the Congress for their much-needed support,” Zelensky posted on his official Instagram account after he landed. “And also to continue cooperation to bring our victory closer.” He said the visit would “strengthen resilience and defence capabilities” of Ukraine.
US officials, citing security concerns, were mum about Zelensky’s travel plans, but a US official confirmed that Zelensky was transported on a US Air Force jet that landed at Joint Base Andrews, just outside the capital.
Military package
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an additional $1.85 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, which includes the Patriot missile defence system.
The aid signals an expansion by the US in the kinds of advanced weaponry it will send to Ukraine to bolster its air defences against what has been an increasing barrage of Russian missiles in recent weeks.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Zelensky’s visit and the address to Congress will demonstrate “the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine.”
“The visit will underscore the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes, including through the provision of economic, humanitarian, and military assistance,” she said.