President Biden publicly apologized to Ukraine for the delay in American military assistance that allowed Russia to make gains on the battlefield. This delay was due to conservative Republicans in Congress holding up a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine for six months. Biden expressed his support for Ukraine and reassured them that the American people are standing by them for the long haul. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy appealed for bipartisan U.S. support and thanked lawmakers for eventually approving the weapons package that has helped Ukraine push back against Russian advances.
The United States is Ukraine’s biggest supplier of wartime support, and the country is currently facing an intense Russian offensive in eastern regions. The offensive is focused on border regions such as Kharkiv and Donetsk, and Ukraine is struggling with shortages of ammunition and troops along the front line. The slow delivery of Western weaponry has frustrated Zelenskyy, and there has been tension in his relationship with Biden over supplying more hardware for fear of provoking Putin. However, the U.S. has announced plans to send $225 million in military aid to Ukraine, including munitions for various defense systems.
As Russia’s offensive continues and Ukraine’s army faces challenges, NATO allies have allowed Ukraine to use weapons for limited attacks inside Russia. This decision has angered the Kremlin, which warned of escalation in the conflict. Biden and Zelenskyy attended D-Day anniversary events in Normandy, where Biden pledged continued support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy framed Ukraine’s fight as a battle between Western democratic freedom and Russian tyranny, while Russia portrays it as self-defense against NATO expansion.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the current battle against Russian aggression and compared it to the sacrifices made during World War II. He highlighted the need to write history in a way that benefits Ukraine and not become victims of history as the enemy sees fit. Zelenskyy’s visit to Paris included meetings with French President Macron and visits to arms manufacturers to secure more military support. Macron announced that France would provide Mirage combat aircraft to Ukraine, showcasing continued support for the country’s defense.
The goal of Zelenskyy’s foreign trips is to keep Ukraine’s situation in the public eye, secure additional military assistance, and solidify long-term Western support through bilateral alliances. In February, Ukraine and France signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement, and Zelenskyy has signed similar agreements with other European countries. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has drawn international attention, with various countries pledging support and assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Ukraine continues to fight against Russian forces in the face of challenges and setbacks, with hopes for a resolution to the conflict that ensures peace and stability in the region.
