Biden, Zelensky Discuss Fresh Military Support

AFP/APP

 Washington: US President Joe Biden engaged in a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, during which he announced a fresh round of military assistance for Kyiv. The Pentagon has valued this new aid package at $125 million.

The discussion between the two leaders occurred just ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day and coincided with the United States imposing sweeping sanctions on hundreds of individuals and entities linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I am proud to announce a new package of military aid for Ukraine today,” Biden stated.

The package includes air defence missiles to protect Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, counter-drone equipment, anti-armour missiles to counter Russia’s evolving battlefield tactics, and ammunition for frontline soldiers and mobile rocket systems.

“Russia will not prevail in this conflict. The independent people of Ukraine will prevail – and the United States, our allies, and our partners will continue to stand with them every step of the way,” Biden added, reaffirming US support for Ukraine.

According to the US Defence Department, the $125 million package comprises items drawn from existing American stocks, designed to meet Ukraine’s most pressing needs.

President Zelensky welcomed the announcement, particularly highlighting the urgent need for enhanced air defences.

“I welcomed the new US military aid package and emphasised that Ukraine urgently requires the delivery of weapons from the announced packages, particularly additional air defence systems, to reliably protect our cities, communities, and critical infrastructure,” he noted in a post on X.

Continued US Support for Ukraine

The United States has been a steadfast military ally for Ukraine, committing over $55 billion in weapons, ammunition, and other security assistance since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in February 2022.