Biden apologizes to Zelensky over US aid delays, announces $225mn support package.
US President Joe Biden expressed regret to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting in Paris for delays in American military assistance. The leaders gathered a day after attending the D-Day ceremony in Normandy alongside other Western leaders.
Biden said congressional hurdles caused by some Republican senators were responsible for the hold-ups. He reiterated unwavering US backing for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
In response, Zelensky highlighted the vital importance of his country’s ties with America, especially in countering Moscow.
The US Department of Defense announced a $225 million support package, including ammunition and anti-aircraft missiles.
Earlier, Zelensky addressed the French parliament, seeking continued solidarity in what he called a war to defend Europe’s peace.
He also met President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged fighter jet delivery and Ukrainian pilot training in the summer. Western leaders will mull military instructor deployment.
In a passionate D-Day commemorative speech, Biden said the fallen would have wanted action against Putin’s Ukraine invasion, calling to defend freedom and democracy.
His talks with Zelensky came amid stepped-up Russian assaults and warnings about arming nations to strike the West in retaliation for arms supplies.
