US President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday that the US planned to continue supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia despite opposition from some in the Republican party.
Biden has called on world leaders to stand strong with Ukraine, even as he faces domestic political divisions at home. A hard-right flank of Republicans, led by Trump, Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race for the White House, is increasingly opposed to sending more money overseas.
Biden told Zelensky before reaching across the table and shaking his hand after two hours of talks:
“Mr. President, we’re with you, we’re staying with you.”
Zelensky expressed gratitude to the United States for the new $325m military aid package with weapons and air defence equipment. Zielenski emphasised, saying “it contains exactly what our soldiers need now”.
Biden’s request for an extra $24 million for Ukraine to pay for its defence and humanitarian aid before the end of the year is still pending, due to resistance from hardline Republican supporters in the House of Representatives. Biden said the only way to overcome that opposition was for the U.S. Congress to approve it. He claimed:
“I’m counting on the good judgment of the United States Congress. There’s no alternative.”
Biden promises that the first delivery of US Abrams tanks will be sent to Ukraine next week. He added:
“Just as we’re committed to helping Ukraine defend itself now, we’re also committed to helping them recover and rebuild in the future, including supporting reforms that will combat corruption.”
Biden said that Washington would also send Ukraine a second Hawk air defence battery manufactured by Raytheon and related equipment. The US official said that the equipment would be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is trying to keep his party in line behind support for Ukraine, said afterward he was proud to welcome Zelenskiy to the Capitol. He said:
“Americans’ support for Ukraine is not a charity. It’s an investment in our own self-interest.”
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, the USA has sent about $113bn in security and humanitarian aid to Zelensky’s government.
