Ukraine’s combat is a part of one thing a lot greater, Joe Biden mentioned throughout assembly with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Washington:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday received vows of long-term US assist together with a brand new missile protection system throughout his first overseas journey since Russia’s invasion, with President Joe Biden promising him, “You’ll by no means stand alone.”
300 days after Russian chief Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine with hopes of swift conquest, Zelensky loved a hero’s welcome on a lightning journey to Washington, however he additionally made clear he wouldn’t settle for any stress to compromise.
Zelensky — whose media savvy and rugged demeanor have helped rally the world to Ukraine’s trigger — saved his trademark army fatigues somewhat than switching to a go well with as Biden rolled out the purple carpet, affectionately placing his hand over the wartime chief’s shoulder as they entered the White Home.
“You’ll by no means stand alone,” Biden informed him at a joint information convention.
“The American individuals are with you each step of the best way and we are going to stick with you — we are going to stick with you — for so long as it takes.”
Biden mentioned that People “perceive in our bones that Ukraine’s combat is a part of one thing a lot greater.”
“Collectively I’ve little doubt we’ll maintain the flame of liberty burning vivid and the sunshine will stay and prevail over the darkness.”
Zelensky will later ship an handle to Congress, which is finalizing a brand new $45 billion bundle for Ukraine heading into the brand new yr, earlier than flying again with barely half a day on the bottom.
– Extra army help –
Zelensky flew in secret to the USA straight after a dangerous go to to the frontline in Bakhmut, the place Ukrainian and Russian troops have each endured heavy tolls in capturing and shelling over the previous two months.
Zelensky introduced Biden with an award that he mentioned was handed to him on the bottom by a “actual hero” — a captain on the bottom of a HIMARS rocket system that has been a game-changer on the sector.
“He is very courageous and he mentioned, give it to very courageous president,” Zelensky mentioned within the Oval Workplace.
As Zelensky arrived, the USA introduced one other $1.85 billion from beforehand budgeted funds for Ukraine, together with for the primary time the superior Patriot air protection system, which is able to capturing down cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles.
Zelensky voiced appreciation for the “crucial step,” saying the Patriot programs “will strengthen our air protection considerably.”
Ukraine fears a rising onslaught of missiles and has confronted a slew of assaults from drones, many purchased by Russia from Iran, as Moscow pummels energy vegetation and different civilian infrastructure simply because the nation shivers within the winter chilly.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that new weapons deliveries would result in an “aggravation of the battle” and don’t “bode properly for Ukraine.”
Talking with senior army officers throughout a televised handle, President Vladimir Putin contended that Moscow was to not blame for the invasion and agreed with an evaluation that Russia wanted a bigger military.
“The fight capabilities of our armed forces are rising continuously,” Putin mentioned, including that Russia may also “enhance the fight readiness of our nuclear triad.”
“What is going on is, in fact, a tragedy — our shared tragedy. However it’s not the results of our coverage. It’s the results of the coverage of third international locations,” he added.
– ‘Simply peace’ –
The US and Ukraine scoff at ideas that the invasion was attributable to something aside from Putin and say he’s not severe about any negotiated settlement.
Each Biden and Zelensky mentioned they supported a “simply peace” — with the Ukrainian chief standing agency that he won’t be any territorial compromise with Russia, which additionally seized the Crimean peninsula in 2014.
“For me as a president, simply peace isn’t any compromises as to the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my nation — the payback for all of the damages inflicted by Russian aggression,” Zelensky mentioned.
“As a father, I wish to emphasize — what number of dad and mom misplaced their little kids on the frontlines? So what’s ‘simply peace’ for them?” he mentioned, dismissing monetary compensation as inadequate.
Lawmakers in contrast Zelensky’s journey to Winston Churchill’s Christmas-time look within the Capitol in 1941, days after Japan’s assault on Pearl Harbor introduced the USA into World Warfare II.
“It’s notably poignant for me to be current when one other heroic chief addresses the Congress in a time of battle — and with democracy itself on the road,” mentioned Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Ukraine enjoys large assist in the USA however there was criticism from a number of far-right Republicans who both oppose the help or have voice sympathy for Putin.
Kevin McCarthy, the Home Republican chief, mentioned earlier than midterm elections that the brand new Congress wouldn’t give a “clean test” to Ukraine, a remark seen as searching for to mollify the right-wing flank of his occasion.
However Mitch McConnell, the Republican chief within the Senate, mentioned he regarded ahead to seeing the “inspiring” Zelensky and mentioned that defeating Russia was within the US curiosity.
“The Ukrainian individuals are brave and harmless they usually deserve our assist,” McConnell mentioned on the Senate flooring.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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