President Joe Biden’s national security adviser made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Friday, a U.S. official said.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine in Kyiv “to underscore the United States’ steadfast support to Ukraine” in the war, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement.
BIDEN SLAMS REPUBLICANS ‘ROOTING FOR RECESSION’ AFTER LAST JOBS REPORT BEFORE ELECTION
In a photograph published Friday by the Associated Press, Sullivan was pictured seated with Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak. Watson said he also met with Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and others.
During the visit, Sullivan announced an additional $400 million security assistance package, which includes refurbished T-72 tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the planned refurbishment of 250 HAWK surface-to-air missiles for transfer to Ukraine.
“He also affirmed the continued provision of economic and humanitarian assistance,” Watson added, and said the United States would continue working with other countries to hold Russia accountable for the war.
The visit comes amid Iran’s deepening involvement in the conflict with Russia and as Ukraine braces for a possible change in leadership in Congress following the midterm elections next week.
The U.S. has provided billions of dollars of military support to Ukraine, with some Republican lawmakers warning that the party is likely to call for increased oversight in the spending if it retakes control of Congress.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE IN THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
A report claimed Biden lost his temper on a phone call with Zelensky this summer as the leader asked for more aid.
While the visit is Sullivan’s first since the war broke out in February, other Biden administration officials have traveled to the country.
