Joe Biden promises to aid Ukraine

• President Joe Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• The country approaches a hard winter of conflict with Russia.
• U.S. will supply Ukraine a Patriot missile battery.

President Joe Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday that the U.S. “will stand with you as long as it takes” as the country approaches a hard winter of conflict with Russia.

Biden offered “unwavering support,” saying the U.S. will supply Ukraine a Patriot missile battery to counter Russian missile and air attacks.

“It’s a defensive armament system,” Biden explained, meant to fire down incoming threats.

He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for striking people, saying he and Zelenskyy want the war to end while Putin wants it to continue.

“It might end today if Putin had any dignity and pulled out.” “Biden suggested it was improbable.

“We know in our bones that Ukraine’s war is part of something bigger,” Biden added.

Biden said, “Light will always prevail over darkness” on the fourth night of Hanukkah.

The display of solidarity for Ukraine comes before a power change in Washington that will put Republicans in command of the House of Representatives. Some GOP members have expressed qualms about the billions of dollars in arms and supplies the U.S. has given to back Ukraine’s war effort.

Russia wants to recover the initiative after almost a year of disappointing fighting. This included strikes on Ukraine’s civilian power grid to “use winter as a weapon,” as Biden phrased it.

Zelenskyy: “Winter must end. I trust American leadership. I expect bipartisan and bicameral support regardless of Congress’ makeup.”

Zelenskyy made his first trip outside Ukraine since Russia invaded 10 months ago “Message he’ll likely repeat to Congress.

Zelenskyy offered Biden a military medal a Ukrainian soldier wanted him to have the day before his trip to Washington.

Zelenskyy spoke in smooth but heavily accented English, thanking him for his support and leadership. “From our everyday people to yours… thanks”

Biden hailed Zelenskyy, the comedian-turned-wartime leader, and criticized their enemy.

“It’s a privilege to stand with you against Putin’s cruel war,” the president remarked.

Ukraine relies on U.S. and European backing to defend itself against Russia.

Some observers worry if Washington will maintain its resolve and shipments as the battle drags on.

Biden wanted to reassure Kyiv — and warn Moscow and the world — that the U.S. wouldn’t back down, while Zelenskyy wanted to solidify the cooperation by traveling to Washington.

Zelenskyy landed at Joint Base Andrews, the home of Air Force One, 12 hours after the first public announcement of his travel, which had been kept secret for security reasons.

The president and first lady Jill Biden greeted his procession of black SUVs at the White House.

Zelenskyy gave Biden the medal in a wooden display box, offering facts about the soldier who wanted it delivered. Biden will contact the soldier.

Biden said, “Undeserved, but highly appreciated,” before calling Zelenskyy “the guy of the year”

Security concerns prevent attendees from entering the House gallery for Zelenskyy’s presentation to Congress.

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