Biden directs billions more in weapons to Ukraine ahead of Zelensky meeting
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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. WASHINGTON : President Biden on Thursday directed that Ukraine receive the remaining $5.5 billion worth of American weapons and equipment previously authorized by Congress, underlining his commitment to Kyiv’s cause ahead of his meeting Thursday with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The administration’s announcement also includes separate funding of about $2.4 billion through what’s known as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will provide Ukraine with air defenses, drones and other weapons that over the long term will help to sustain its military needs.
The president also approved the transfer of the Joint Standoff Weapon, a long-range munition that will help Ukraine strike faraway Russian positions in its own territory and within Ukraine, as well as one Patriot missile-defense system to protect Ukrainian cities facing consistent Russian bombardment. The announcement included the expansion of the F-16 pilot-training program for 18 additional Ukrainian pilots. “Through these actions, my message is clear: The U.S.
will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war," Biden said in a statement. Biden’s announcement came on what could be a pivotal day for Zelensky, who retains significant support in Washington but has faced relentless criticism from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and has recently angered some GOP backers over perceived political missteps. Zelensky is meeting with Biden as well as with congressional leaders from both parties and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.
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