- Biden apologizes for Ukraine aid delays
- Commits $225M in new military support
- US and France training Ukrainian pilots
US President Joe Biden has apologized to his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for the lengthy delays in military aid to Ukraine and has committed $225 million (£191 million) in support.
The pair convened in Paris for discussions a day after they both witnessed the 80th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France.
Ammunition and anti-aircraft missiles were included in the new aid package, according to the US Department of Defense.
Russia initiated an all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Mr. Biden emphasized that the United States continues to support Ukraine despite the fact that certain Republicans in Congress were responsible for the previous aid delays.
Mr. Biden assured Mr. Zelensky that the United States would remain by his side. “You have not submitted.” You have maintained your position without any concessions. You continue to engage in combat in a truly remarkable manner.
Mr Zelensky emphasized the significance of his nation’s partnership with the United States, stating that it was essential in the ongoing conflict with Russia: “We are reliant on your unwavering support in standing by us.
Mr Biden delivered a passionate speech at Pointe Du Hoc, a location in Normandy where US army rangers scaled a cliff to assault a Nazi stronghold on D-Day, following his meeting with Mr Zelensky.
The United States president discussed the sacrifice of those who lost their lives on June 6, 1944, questioning whether anyone would dispute the desire for America to oppose Putin’s aggression in Europe today.
“They are requesting that we fulfil our obligations: to safeguard democracy, defend freedom in our era, and resist aggression domestically and internationally,” he continued.
Additionally, he expressed optimism that a summit to be held in Switzerland later this month could contribute to the cessation of the conflict.
The Ukrainian president is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit.
On Thursday evening, Mr. Macron announced on French television that Paris would train Ukrainian pilots and dispatch Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to Ukraine. He stated that training could commence this summer.
“Typically, you require five to six months.” Therefore, pilots will be employed by the conclusion of the year. “The pilots will receive training in France,” he stated.
Mr Macron also stated that Western allies would evaluate a request to dispatch military instructors to train Ukrainian forces on the ground.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the French president’s statements indicated his willingness to assume a “direct” role in the Ukraine conflict.
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The developments of Friday occurred one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning that Moscow could provide weapons to countries to attack Western targets.
Mr. Putin issued the statement while criticizing the West’s provision of long-range armaments to Ukraine. He did not specify which countries Moscow could provide with armaments.
Ukraine has been granted permission to attack targets within Russia by several countries, including the United States.
Mr. Biden has authorized Ukraine to employ weaponry supplied by the United States to attack targets in Russia, provided that they are located in the vicinity of the Kharkiv region. According to the White House, Ukraine is prohibited from employing long-range ATACMS missiles on Russian soil.
