Biden and Zelensky show unity on the issue of protecting Ukraine from Russian aggression

US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a joint press conference after their meeting at the White House.

Before the press conference began, U.S. President Joe Biden recalled that the Ukrainian people have been waging a heroic war against Russian aggression for 300 days. Biden stressed that the American people, the American authorities will never abandon Ukraine which is fighting for its freedom. The White House chief once again listed all the assistance that the United States, its allies and partners around the world are providing to the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“The unprecedented sanctions and export controls on Russia make it difficult for the Kremlin to wage its brutal war,” the American leader noted. – More than 50 countries have provided (Ukraine) some 2,000 tanks and other armored vehicles, more than 800 artillery systems, more than 2 million pieces of artillery ammunition.”

Biden once again urged the U.S. Congress to continue supporting Ukraine on all fronts. Biden also announced a new $1.8 billion military aid package to Ukraine, which included Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.

In his turn, Volodymyr Zelenskiy once again warmly thanked the US administration for the opportunity to make this historic visit to Washington and for the tremendous assistance that the American people are giving to Ukraine. Zelensky said that the support of President Biden personally and US lawmakers was very important for his country. Zelensky said the new U.S. military aid will go a long way toward protecting Ukrainian skies and Ukrainian cities.

“Every dollar of this investment by the United States will go toward strengthening global security,” the Ukrainian leader said.

Zelensky expressed confidence that regardless of changes in the bipartisan balance in the U.S. Congress, support for Ukraine and its fight for freedom will continue.

On the eve of the talks between the two presidents, the US National Security Council’s strategic communications coordinator, John Kirby, said that diplomacy and defence issues were on the agenda of the talks.

The Ukrainian president’s visit comes at a time when U.S. lawmakers are about to vote on next year’s spending package, which includes about $45 billion in emergency aid to Ukraine, and when the Pentagon is preparing to provide Ukraine with Patriot surface-to-air missile systems for self-defense.

It is not yet clear when Patriot air defense systems will be on the front lines in Ukraine, as the U.S. military will have to train the Ukrainian military in their use. The training could take several weeks and is expected to take place in Germany.

Volodymyr Zelenski is expected to speak to the US Congress on the evening of December 21.

This speech by Zelenski in the Capitol building will take place against the background of the changes in the balance of power in the Congress: in January the Republicans will take control of the US House of Representatives. According to them, they intend to consider the issue of aid to Ukraine more carefully.