Biden Promises Air Defense Aid To Ukraine Amid Russian Attacks

From left, U.S. representatives Nathaniel Moran, R-Tx, Tom Kean Jr, R-NJ, Bill Keating, D-Mass, and Madeleine Deane, D-Pa, talk to journalists during a joint news conference outside Saint Michael cath

President Joe Biden assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday that the U.S. will provide much-needed air defense weaponry once the Senate approves a $61 billion national security aid package for Ukraine. The aid package, which also includes long-range and artillery capabilities, is pending Senate approval after being passed by the House over the weekend.

Ukraine, facing increased attacks from Russia, is in urgent need of new firepower to defend itself. The Senate is expected to vote on the aid package this week, with Biden committed to promptly signing it into law.

Senate to vote on $61B national security aid package for Ukraine.

President Biden commits to providing air defense weaponry to Ukraine.

Aid package includes long-range and artillery capabilities.

Ukraine faces increased attacks from Russia and urgent need for new firepower.

Biden emphasizes U.S. commitment to Ukraine's defense needs and financial stability.

Zelenskyy highlighted Russia's aggressive air attacks, including a recent strike on the Kharkiv TV tower, signaling Moscow's intent to make the city uninhabitable. Russia has exploited air defense weaknesses in Kharkiv to target critical infrastructure and harm residents, potentially setting the stage for a summer offensive to seize the city.

Biden reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to providing significant security assistance to address Ukraine's immediate defense needs and support its financial stability and infrastructure recovery post-Russian attacks. The aid will also aid Ukraine in its reform efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss the urgency of Ukraine's needs and the crucial role of U.S. aid in countering Russia's assaults. The delegation emphasized the importance of promptly delivering requested weapons, including the Army Tactical Missile System, to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's requirements for artillery shells, long-range missiles, electronic warfare equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, combat aviation, and support for the defense industry. Discussions also touched on Ukraine's NATO aspirations, U.S. participation in a peace conference in Switzerland, and other pertinent issues.

With the Senate's approval pending, the U.S. remains committed to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities and supporting its path towards stability and security.