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U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirms support for Ukraine during meeting with President Zelenskiy
U.S. President Joe Biden recently welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the White House, following the announcement of billions in military aid for Kyiv. During the meeting, Biden reiterated his stance that Russia “will not prevail” in its invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskiy presented Biden with his “victory plan” and reiterated his request for the United States to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons provided to target military sites deep within Russia.
“We deeply appreciate that Ukraine and America have stood side by side,” said Zelenskiy in his military-style outfit during the meeting.
In addition to meeting with Biden, Zelenskiy also had discussions with Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed unwavering support for the people of Ukraine in their defense against Russia.
Harris criticized calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia as “dangerous and unacceptable.” She emphasized that proposals for negotiation with Russia, such as those put forth by former President Donald Trump, were not conducive to peace but rather amounted to surrender.
Meanwhile, Biden announced over $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine, including advanced weaponry such as the Joint Standoff Weapon, additional Patriot air-defense systems, and training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots.
In response to Russia’s invasion, Biden also announced plans to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network used by Russia to evade sanctions and launder money.
Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the support from the United States, Congress, and the American people in a message, emphasizing the importance of the announced aid in Ukraine’s defense efforts.
As Zelenskiy seeks to bolster support for Ukraine in the midst of the ongoing conflict, discussions surrounding his “victory plan” and the potential inclusion of expanded U.S. military assistance remain at the forefront.
The White House, however, tempered expectations regarding the immediate implementation of Ukraine’s desired military strategies, citing the need for continued coordination and deliberation among allies.
Senator Lindsey Graham echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of allowing Ukraine to utilize necessary military capabilities to counter Russian aggression.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine continues to bear the brunt of Russian attacks, resulting in casualties and damage across various regions. Despite the challenges faced, Zelenskiy remains resolute in his efforts to defend Ukraine and seek a resolution to the conflict.