Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky won further support from Washington, including new missile defense systems, and Joe Biden’s word that they “will never be alone” after visiting the White House on Wednesday on his first trip abroad since start of the Russian invasion in February.
“They will never be alone,” Biden told him at a joint press conference. “The American people are with you every step of the way, and we will be with you for as long as it takes,” he added.
In addition, Biden said he was “not at all concerned” about the strength of the Western alliance in the face of the Russian invasion. “I have never seen NATO or the European Union so united,” said the president. “Putin thought he would weaken NATO, instead he strengthened NATO.”
Zelensky – whose media savvy helped him rally support for the Ukrainian cause – kept his trademark military uniform instead of a formal suit as Biden greeted him on a red carpet and ushered the Ukrainian leader into the White House.
The Ukrainian president expressed his “sincere gratitude” for the support of the United States, which has sent billions of dollars in military aid.
“We are going to continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly air defense,” Biden told Zelensky as they sat by the fireplace in the Oval Office.
Shortly before Zelensky arrived in Washington on Wednesday, the Biden government announced a new $1.85 billion military aid package for Ukraine that, for the first time, includes the Patriot system that Ukrainians had been asking for for months.
However, the United States will only send one Patriot anti-aircraft battery to Ukraine.
One of these batteries usually includes a radar that detects and tracks the target, computers, generators and a control station, as well as eight mini-launchers with four missiles ready to fire.
It remains to be seen what impact a single Patriot battery can have in the face of continued Russian airstrikes, which have caused significant damage in recent months to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, engulfed in a cold winter.
During the press conference, Biden and Zelensky also exchanged praise and thanks.
Specifically, Zelenski said that he respects Biden as a person, as a president and as a human being. “For me, this is a historic moment,” said the Ukrainian leader, dressed in a sweatshirt and military green pants.
For his part, Biden spoke of the importance of holding in-person meetings, both with allies and enemies, to “look them in the eye” and see what they think.
In this regard, about Zelenski, the American said: “It is clear in his soul that he is who he says he is.”
Lastly, Biden acknowledged that Zelensky’s visit to Washington, the first he has made abroad since the start of the war, has a symbolic value and seeks to show “unity” against Russian President Vladimir Putin. (YO)
Source: Eluniverso
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