U.S. President Joe Biden authorized $800 million dollars in security assistance to Ukraine on Wednesday afternoon, the latest contribution to a war-torn country that has already received billions of dollars in American aid.
In remarks from the White House, Biden said the assistance includes anti-tank missiles, drones, grenade launchers, and armored vehicles.
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the U.S. Congress via a video feed, asking lawmakers to establish a no-fly zone over his country. Zelensky said if America was unwilling to take that step – which many experts fear could lead to a global conflict – he’d settle for combat aircrafts that the Ukrainians could use to defend themselves.
Biden didn’t mention the no-fly zone proposal or the request for combat aircraft in his speech. But he referenced Zelensky’s Congressional address, saying he watched it from the White House residence.
“He was convincing. A significant speech,” Biden said. “He speaks for people who have shown remarkable courage and strength in the face of brutal aggression.”
Biden denounced the “appalling devastation and horror” triggered by Russia’s invasion. He promised to continue pummeling Russia’s economy.
“We’re crippling Putin’s economy with punishing sanctions that are only going to grow more painful overtime,” Biden said.
He added that the U.S. is committed to providing humanitarian relief to refugees and will work with international partners to support Ukraine as long as it takes.
“Ukraine will never be a victory for Putin,” Biden pledged.
