On his first overseas trip since Russia's invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured commitments from the U.S. on Wednesday (Dec. 21), including a new missile defense system. President Joe Biden told him, "You will never stand alone."
As Biden laid out the red carpet and kindly placed his hand over the combat leader's shoulder as they approached the White House, Zelenskyy, whose media skills and tough manner have helped rally the world to Ukraine's cause, kept his signature military fatigues rather than donning a suit.
Zelensky received a hero's welcome on a quick trip to Washington, but he also made it plain that he would not yield to pressure to make concessions. This was 300 days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine in the hopes of quick conquest.
"The American people are with you every step of the way and we will stay with you - we will stay with you - for as long as it takes," Biden said. "You will never stand alone."
Zelenskyy will spend a little more than half a day on the ground before taking out to deliver a speech to Congress, which is finalizing a new $45 billion package for Ukraine heading into the new year.
Following a perilous trip to the frontline in Bakhmut, where Ukrainian and Russian troops have both suffered greatly from firing and shelling over the past two months, Zelenskyy went covertly to the United States immediately. Biden received an award from Zelenskyy that he said was given to him by a "real hero" on the ground: the captain of a HIMARS missile system that had changed the game on the field.
In addition to the additional $1.85 billion from previously budgeted funds for Ukraine, which included for the first time the cutting-edge Patriot air defense system capable of shooting down cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles, the United States also announced the arrival of Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the "very important step," stating that the Patriot systems "will strengthen our air defense significantly".
Putin is reportedly not serious about any negotiated settlement, according to the United States and Ukraine, who dismiss any claims that anyone other than him was to blame for the invasion. Both Biden and Zelenskyy endorsed a "just peace," with the Ukrainian president remaining steadfast in his refusal to make any territorial concessions to Russia, which also invaded the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.
"For me as a president, just peace is no compromises as to the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my country - the payback for all the damages inflicted by Russian aggression," Zelenskyy said.
