US President Joe Biden met Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky at the White House on Wednesday for a bilateral meeting, vowing to “continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself — particularly air defence.”
Biden expressed America’s support to Ukraine’s cause, along with allies “in Europe, Japan and other places to make sure you have the financial humanitarian and security assistance that you needed”.
He also announced that the US will be sending the Patriot air defence missile systems to Ukraine to help strengthen its defences against the Russian forces.
President Vladimir Putin is “trying to use winter as a weapon, but the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world,” Biden said.
“I mean that sincerely — not just inspire us but inspire the world with their courage and how they have chosen their resilience and resolve for their future,” he added.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an additional $1.85 billion in security assistance for Ukraine.
Zelensky, in his part, thanked Biden for his “big support and leadership across Europe.”
“I think it’s very difficult to understand what does it mean when we say appreciate but you really have to feel it,” Zelensky said in English.
Zelensky also presented an award to Biden that he said was handed to him by a “real hero” —a captain on the ground of a HIMARS rocket system that has been a game-changer on the field.
“He’s very brave and he said, give it to very brave president,” Zelensky said.
