Biden announces a new aid package for Ukraine during his meeting with Zelensky
Taking advantage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the United States for the start of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, US President Joe Biden has once again reiterated his support for Kiev.
US President Joe Biden, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, published a telling video with the following caption: "Two countries. One clear, firm and unwavering signal: we are together." pic.twitter.com/sJk67VjD5E
— Devana 🇺🇦 (@DevanaUkraine) September 22, 2023
During a meeting at the White House, the American leader announced a new military aid package worth 325 million dollars. This new aid includes more artillery, more ammunition and more anti-tank weapons, as Biden indicated. The US president also announced that the first Abrams tanks will be delivered to Ukraine next week.
"We are also focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defence capabilities to protect critical infrastructure that provides heat and light during the coldest and darkest days of the year," he added. Many of the Russian attacks against Ukraine have targeted the country's energy infrastructure, resulting in power outages in many parts of the country. Now, with the onset of winter and cold temperatures, protecting this sector is key.
The US president has also indicated to Zelensky that the White House will "make sure that the world stands with you" against the Russian invasion. Days earlier, during his speech to the UN General Assembly, Biden again showed his strong support and commitment to Ukraine. "If we allow Ukraine to be divided, is any nation's independence secure? I would respectfully suggest that the answer is no," Biden told world leaders. "We need to confront this aggression today and deter other potential aggressors tomorrow," he added.
This was a very important visit to Washington, D.C.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 22, 2023
New military aid package. Long-term agreement on joint defense production. This historic step will create new industrial base and jobs for both of our nations.
My day began on Capitol Hill with candid and extensive… pic.twitter.com/Ro24E6k86D
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has made a similar point, noting that Biden would make clear with Zelensky's visit that the United States and the world "send an unequivocal message that, in the 21st century, you cannot allow a dictator to conquer or divide your neighbour's territory". "If we allow that here, it will happen elsewhere in ways that will undermine fundamental security, not to mention the values that the American people hold dear," Sullivan said.
In addition to the White House meeting, Zelensky visited Capitol Hill, where he held private meetings with Republican and Democratic lawmakers to address the progress of the war in Ukraine.
⚡️President Volodymyr #Zelensky has arrived at the US Capitol for a meeting with US President Joe #Biden, Sky News reported. pic.twitter.com/99sWLv1DsB
— KyivPost (@KyivPost) September 21, 2023
Support for Ukraine falters among US lawmakers
This is the Ukrainian president's second visit to Congress since the Russian invasion began. Zelensky addressed US lawmakers late last year with an emotional speech that drew a standing ovation from the House, as well as pledges of funding and support. The situation today, however, is very different.
In recent months, there has been a growing reluctance, especially among Republicans, to continue approving more aid packages for Kiev. In fact, 28 Republicans have recently signed a joint statement, expressing their refusal to approve further military aid packages for Ukraine. They also blame the Zelensky government for maintaining secrecy around the counteroffensive.
"How is the counteroffensive going? Are the Ukrainians closer to victory than they were six months ago? What is our strategy and what is the president's exit plan?" the politicians say in the letter, in which they demand answers about the situation in Ukraine.
This is a new setback for Zelensky after Poland announced the suspension of military supplies to Ukraine. The decision follows a dispute between the two countries over grain supplies that threatens to weaken the strong alliance between Kiev and Warsaw.
Americas Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra.
