Biden expresses regret to Selenskyj over temporary shipment hold.
Lately, a months-long stalemate by conservative Republicans in the US Congress over delivering weapons to Kyiv has slowed down the supply of armaments. The ramifications of this were felt on the battlefield. Nevertheless, President Joe Biden has expressed regret over this situation and now sends more ammunition to Ukraine.
At a recent meeting in Paris, Biden apologized to his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, for the extended delay in getting weapons from the US. He also acknowledged the lengthy uncertainty regarding further assistance during this gathering. Both leaders are presently on multi-day visits to France. Biden announced a new military assortment for Kiev worth $225 million (circa €208 million) and reaffirmed America's undeterred support for Ukraine.
When reflecting upon past political standstills concerning financial aid for Kiev, Biden disclosed that "more conservative" parliamentarians were the primary cause. However, these issues have been resolved now. Ukraine serves as a barrier against Russian aggression, and the US has a moral obligation to bolster Kyiv when confronted with such aggression, Biden declared. "I assure you, the United States will be on your side," he reiterated.
Russia engaged in an invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022 and has engaged in a large-scale military offensive ever since. The United States represents Kyiv's most critical ally and chief supplier of arms. According to the Pentagon, the United States has granted military assistance to Ukraine totaling over $51 billion since the initiation of the war.
Making up for lost time
Earlier in the year, the US experienced a dearth of weapon shipments to Kyiv resulting from a months-long political impasse within the US. This led to setbacks for the Ukrainian forces. Since the late April, US arms and ammunition deliveries to Kiev have resumed. The Ukrainian military is currently working to regain their momentum where they lost ground because of a lack of ammunition in the preceding months.
The Paris-announced package Biden unveiled encompasses rockets for Hawk anti-aircraft systems, ammunition for multi-missile launchers of the HIMARS variety, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery ammunition in 155 and 105 millimeter calibers. The US currently is prioritizing enhancing Ukraine's air defense and expediting the distribution of new ammunition supplies following the break from the recent interruption. The money allocations for this package, along with many others, derive from the United States' own stockpiles to speed up the provisioning process.
Biden lauds Kharkiv's defense
Throughout his meeting with Zelensky, Biden extolled the bravery and tenacity of the Ukrainians. The resolute defense of Kharkiv, the second-largest Ukrainian city near the Russo-Ukrainian border, showcased the indomitable Ukrainian spirit once again. In May, Russian forces managed to attack the city, with the majority of the offensive coming from positions on Russian soil.
In the context of the significant attack on Kharkiv, the US authorities modified their stance recently and have authorized Ukraine to use American weapons against targets within Russia, even though only for defensive purposes. Zelensky noted that the American decisions had "beneficial effects." Without wanting to discuss the intricate details, Zelensky desired to share specific information regarding the battlefield situation with Biden.
Support for Ukrainians' Morale
The Ukrainian president commended Biden for the "substantial" contribution of the US. Kyiv requires more American support for its people to remain determined in the face of adversity. Zelensky drew parallels between the current US involvement in Ukraine and the United States' assistance during World War II, which helped millions of Europeans survive.
Both Biden and Zelensky attended the commemorative festivities on Thursday for the Allied invasion of Normandy, precisely 78 years after the Normandy landings in 1944, where American soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy and marked the inception of the European liberation from Nazi rule.
Read also:
- During their meeting in Paris, President Joe Biden apologized to Volodymyr Zelensky for the delay in sending weapons from the USA to Ukraine, acknowledging the lengthy uncertainty regarding further assistance.
- Despite the months-long stalemate in the US Congress, President Biden has expressed regret for the situation and is now sending more ammunition to Ukraine, understanding its importance in the Ukraine conflict.
- At the meeting, Biden also highlighted the moral obligation of the USA to bolster Ukraine, serving as a barrier against Russian aggression, and reaffirmed America's undeterred support for Ukraine, emphasizing the US as Kyiv's most critical ally and chief supplier of arms.
