President Joe Biden reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday that the U.S. will continue to provide robust support for Ukraine’s war against Russian invaders.
After a day spent lobbying for support at the United Nations, Zelenskiy arrived in Washington on a whirlwind tour of the city on Thursday. His stops included the Pentagon, the Capitol, and the National Archives Museum.
Biden and Zelenskiy met in the White House East Room for a war council. After two hours of discussions, Biden told Zelenskiy, “Mr. President, we’re with you and we’re staying with you.”
Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to Biden for the $325 million military aid package, stating, “It has exactly what our soldiers need now.”
Republican budget extremists in the House of Representatives have stalled Biden’s request for $24 million in additional Ukraine funding to pay for the country’s defense and humanitarian assistance through the end of the year.
“I’m counting on the good judgment of the United States Congress.” Biden stated that “there is no alternative.”
Biden stated that the first American Abrams tanks would be sent to Ukraine the following week. “Just as we’re committed to helping Ukraine defend itself now, we’re also committed to helping them recover and rebuild in the future, including supporting reforms that will combat corruption,” he added.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has provided approximately $113 billion in security and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Today, Zelensky pays his first visit to Canada, a close ally of Ukraine. He is scheduled to address Parliament in Ottawa, followed by a news conference with Prime Minister Trudeau.
