President Joe Biden sought to reassure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he and the world could rely on U.S. support as Ukraine’s war against Russia enters its 301st day and Congress considers passing another billion-dollar aid package.
Biden praised Ukraine for its “unbreakable determination,” contending that the country “will never stand alone,” underscoring Zelensky’s commitment to a “just peace,” and alluding to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Zelensky is Jewish.
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“We understand in our bones that Ukraine’s fight is part of something much bigger,” Biden said Wednesday during a joint press conference, adding, “It’s important for the American people and for the world to hear directly” from Zelensky.
Biden also announced another $1.85 billion tranche in military equipment, incorporating a Patriot missile battery, a sophisticated air defense system Zelensky has been requesting from the United States for some time.
“Ukraine has defied Russia’s expectations at every single turn,” Biden said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley, and USAID Administrator Samantha Power attended the Biden-Zelensky press conference, as did Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, among other dignitaries.
Zelensky’s last-minute hourslong trip, which fell on the 300th day of the war, includes meetings with top White House officials and lawmakers. The Ukrainian president’s visit, his first since the start of the invasion and just days before Christmas, will culminate with a prime-time address to a joint session of Congress. However, many may miss it due to inclement weather.
Before his Oval Office discussion with Biden, Zelensky thanked the U.S. for its support, attributing the U.S. to why the conflict is now “under control.” House Republicans, such as likely speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), have already expressed concerns over providing Ukraine with a “blank check” when they take over the chamber in the new year.
“Thanks from our ordinary people to your ordinary people, Americans. I really appreciate,” Zelensky said.
Biden condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent escalation against civilians, claiming Putin is trying to “use winter as a weapon.”
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“We will support Ukraine pursuing a just peace,” Biden said.
Zelensky’s trip, which has been compared to British then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s similar journey more than 80 years ago, comes as Congress is poised to pass another $45 billion aid package as part of a broader $1.7 trillion deal to fund the government and avoid a shutdown.
