Helping Ukraine has been a top priority of his administration, the US president says, “But there is more work to do.”
U.S. President Joe Biden has announced a new $7.9 billion security aid package for Ukraine ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.
"It has been a priority of my administration to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support to succeed," Biden stated Thursday. He highlighted Ukraine's key victories, including the defense of Kyiv, reclaiming over half the territory seized by Russia at the start of the war, and maintaining its sovereignty. "But there is still more to be done," Biden emphasized.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude, stating, "We will utilize this aid efficiently and transparently to achieve our shared objective: victory for Ukraine, a lasting peace, and strengthened transatlantic security."
The package includes $5.5 billion allocated under Biden’s presidential drawdown authority for military equipment, and $2.4 billion for additional security support, such as air defense systems, uncrewed aerial systems, and air-to-ground munitions.
Biden also committed to providing Ukraine with Joint Standoff Weapon long-range munitions to enhance its strike capabilities. The U.S. will refurbish and supply an additional Patriot air defense battery and missiles, alongside expanding training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
Additionally, the U.S. announced an international effort to "disrupt a global cryptocurrency network" being used to facilitate Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering.
Looking ahead, Biden revealed plans to convene a summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month. "My message is clear: The United States will continue to give Ukraine the support it needs to win this war," Biden concluded.
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