Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday gained vows of long-term US help together with a brand new missile protection system throughout his first international journey since Russia’s invasion, with President Joe Biden promising him, “You will never stand alone.”
Three hundred 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 strain to compromise.
Zelensky — whose media savvy and rugged demeanor have helped rally the world to Ukraine’s trigger — stored his trademark army fatigues slightly 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 House.
“You will never stand alone,” Biden advised him at a joint news convention.
“The American people are with you every step of the way and we will stay with you — we will stay with you — for as long as it takes.”
Biden mentioned that Americans “understand in our bones that Ukraine’s fight is part of something much bigger.”
“Together I have no doubt we’ll keep the flame of liberty burning bright and the light will remain 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.
More army help
Zelensky flew in secret to the United States 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 “real hero” — a captain on the bottom of a HIMARS rocket system that has been a game-changer on the sphere.
“He’s very brave and he said, give it to very brave president,” Zelensky mentioned within the Oval Office.
As Zelensky arrived, the United States 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 “very important step,” saying the Patriot techniques “will strengthen our air defense significantly.”
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 conflict” and don’t “bode well for Ukraine.”
Speaking 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 combat capabilities of our armed forces are increasing constantly,” Putin mentioned, including that Russia can even “improve the combat readiness of our nuclear triad.”
“What is happening is, of course, a tragedy — our shared tragedy. But it is not the result of our policy. It is the result of the policy of third countries,” he added.
‘Just peace’
The United States 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.
Both Biden and Zelensky mentioned they supported a “just 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, just peace is no compromises as to the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my country — the payback for all the damages inflicted by Russian aggression,” Zelensky mentioned.
“As a father, I would like to emphasize — how many parents lost their sons and daughters on the frontlines? So what is ‘just 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 United States into World War II.
“It is particularly poignant for me to be present when another heroic leader addresses the Congress in a time of war — and with democracy itself on the line,” mentioned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Ukraine enjoys extensive help within the United States 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 House Republican chief, mentioned earlier than midterm elections that the brand new Congress wouldn’t give a “blank check” to Ukraine, a remark seen as looking for to mollify the right-wing flank of his occasion.
But 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 people are courageous and innocent and they deserve our help,” McConnell mentioned on the Senate flooring. —Agence France-Presse
