US President Joe Biden assures that Ukraine can count on continued military and financial support. Biden said this in Washington after an interview with his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president was visiting abroad for the first time since the Russian invasion ten months ago.
“We stand with you,” Biden said, lauding the “steel backbone” and determination of Ukrainians. Biden announced a new weapons package worth $1.85 billion (€1.74 billion), including a Patriot defense system. Such a system is important for protecting Ukraine’s infrastructure.
The Patriot system is designed for defense, therefore for launching missiles from the sky and not for attacking. They can take out not only airplanes and drones, but also fast ballistic missiles.
Zelensky thanked Biden for all the efforts. The patriot, in particular, will contribute to the defense of his country, he said. “We will win, I’m sure we will win together.”
Zelensky also said that a “just peace” with Russia should in no way come at the expense of Ukraine’s “sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity”.
Zelensky later addresses parliament, which can still approve billions in additional aid.
Russia does not expect anything good from Zelensky’s “flying visit” to Washington. On the contrary, the Kremlin says any new arms shipments will only exacerbate the conflict.
