During his meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, the 21st of December, US President Joe Biden promised his country will continue supporting Ukraine «for as long as necessary».
Biden also made it clear there are limits to what kind of support will be provided to Kyiv in order to avoid causing a split among its allies.
«Ukraine’s fight is part of something much larger,» Biden said at a shared press-conference with Zelensky, standing next to him. He promised US will provide aid to Ukraine to oppose Russia’s aggression «for as long as necessary».
Zelensky, who spoke with the aid of a translator for most of his speech, made it clear he will not accept a solution that will leave Russia with parts of Ukraine’s territory.
«For me as a president ‘fair justice’ means – no compromises in regards to my country’s sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity; compensation of all losses caused by the Russian aggression,» he said.
Ukraine’s president also thanked the Washington for agreeing to supply Patriot anti-air missile systems to help combat the constant Russian missile attacks.
The supply of Patriot is part of the 1.85 billion military aid package that was announced the moment Zelensky left for his visit to Washington.
«The strongest element in this package is Patriot system, which will significantly reinforce our anti-air defence,» said Zelensky. «This is a very important step to create a safe air space in Ukraine.»
Biden said he is confident the western alliance will remain unified in support for Ukraine.
«I am not worried at all about the alliance staying strong. I feel good about solidarity and support for Ukraine,» said Biden.
He did make it clear there are limits to what Ukraine’s allies may agree to supply.
«The idea that we should supply Ukraine with materials that are […] fundamentally different from what is already provided could cause a possibility of NATO, European Union and the rest of the world becoming divided,» said Biden.
«We will give Ukraine what they need to defend themselves and gain accomplishments,» he added.
After his meeting with Biden, Zelensky attended a session of the US Congress, where he read a speech, inviting long-term US support for Ukraine, stressing that this is aid is not charity, rather «an investment into global security and democracy».
Zelensky thanked «every American family» for the aid the US provides to Ukraine. In his speech he also addressed the growing scepticism about US aid in a situation when the war in Ukraine is growing longer and will likely continue next year.
Approximately 300 days after Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced a full-scale invasion Ukraine with hopes of quickly conquering it, Zelensky travelled to Washington, where he was welcomed a hero. This is Zelensky’s first foreign trip since the start of the war with Russia this year.
Zelensky was dressed in green camouflage clothes during his meeting with US President Joe Biden in the White House and later in the Congress. There he handed a Ukrainian flag signed by the troops stationed in Bakhmut, which he visited shortly before departing for Washington.
Zelensky thanked US for the aid provided to Ukraine and said next year will be a «turning point» in the war against Russia.
«Despite everything and worst scenarios, Ukraine is well,» said Zelensky, receiving applaud from congressmen.
«Your money is not charity. It is an investment into global security and democracy. We use this money in the most responsible way.»
Ukraine’s president asked US congressmen to do more for Ukraine is the difficult winter months by providing more arms and financial support.
«We have artillery. Thank you. Is it enough? To be honest – not really,» said Zelensky.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi compared Zelensky’s speech to that of Winston Churchil when he visited the US shortly after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour. Zelensky, too, was not afraid to draw parallels.
Comparing Ukrainian forces with American troops on the front in WWII, Zelensky said Russian forces «burn and destroy everything’ in a way similar to «other tyranny [Hitler]».
«Ukraine holds the line and will never give up,» said Zelensky, receiving a round of applaud.
Ukraine receives a great deal of support from the US, but multiple Republican congressmen are nonetheless critical of this, believing that US support of Ukraine using taxpayers’ money is a waste of money.
Republican Kevin McCarthy, who was considered only of the leading candidates to become the speaker of the House of Representatives, warned that he will not agree with full freedom in US aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked both Democrats and Republicans in his speech.
He also announced that the cooperation between Russia and Iran puts at risk not only Ukraine, but also all allies of the US. Nearly all Republican politicians in the US are against Iran and its policies.
«If Russia cannot reach our cities with artillery, they try to destroy them using missiles. We also lack missiles – Russia has found an accomplice in genocide policy, and it is Iran. Iran’s murderous drones, supplied to Russia in the hundreds, have become a threat to our critical infrastructure. On terrorist finds another to fight the free world,» said Zelensky.
He said «if we do not stop them now», it is a matter of time when Russia attacks other countries allied with the US.
Also read: Zelensky goes on visit to the US