Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that negotiations between the two leaders have been “extremely fruitful” in light of President Trump’s announcement that Washington will provide $500 million in new military aid to Ukraine.
On his first journey to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2013, US Vice President Joe Biden visited the country’s capital city, Kyiv.
As he walked through the city with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president stated that Washington would provide Kyiv with a new $500 million military aid package, which would be announced on Tuesday.
According to the White House, Vice President Biden will announce additional sanctions against Russia and military aid for Ukraine. Including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars.
Mr. Biden stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin believed Ukraine to be “weak and the West to be divided” and that he “thought he could outlast us.” But that Putin was “dead wrong.
According to the president of Ukraine, the duo discussed long-range weapons and negotiations were “very fruitful.”
The negotiations were very successful.
In a White House statement, the president stated that his trip to Kyiv would “reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
He added that Russia will face “elites and companies trying to evade or resupply Russia’s war engine” sanctions.
In an address to reporters in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy referred to Vice President Biden’s visit as an “extremely significant sign of support for all Ukrainians.”
He said today’s negotiations were “extremely fruitful, crucial, and important” and will “certainly” affect the battlefield.
The journey is a “historical event”
Mr. Biden stated that the bundle would also provide additional ammunition for Ukraine’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.
Deborah Haynes stated from Kyiv that the visit is a “historic moment” accompanied by “exceptional security lockdowns.” With the entire center of the capital being secured this morning.
The unannounced voyage occurs after the White House stated last week that there were no plans for the president to enter Ukraine during his trip to Poland this week to commemorate Russia’s invasion.
His visit occurred the day before Mr. Putin was scheduled to deliver a major speech, in which he was anticipated to outline Russia’s objectives for the second year of the invasion he launched last year.
Mr. Zelenskyy visited President Biden at the White House in December, his first trip abroad since the war began.
Biden’s visit comes as Ukrainian and Russian troops fight for Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk.
Mr. Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will continue its months-long defense of the city. But he has cautioned, “not at any cost.”
It is crucial that we defend it, but not at any cost and the expense of everyone’s lives. He told the Italian daily Corriere Della Sera.
Since July, Russian forces have besieged Bakhmut, and under the leadership of Russian Wagner Group mercenaries. They have made modest gains in neighboring villages.
The city is the gateway to Donetsk’s western villages.
