NEW DELHI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his “unwavering assist” of Ukraine’s independence in a cellphone name on Friday, simply days earlier than Biden leaves workplace.
Zelenskyy additionally provided condolences over the tragic wildfires in California, which claimed lives and prompted widespread devastation.
Zelenskyy shared the small print of the dialog on X and mentioned, “I spoke with @POTUS and expressed my condolences over the devastating wildfires in California and the tragic lack of lives. I acknowledged the heroism of People who’re working tirelessly to avoid wasting lives and comprise the unfold of those wildfires.”
The decision comes amid heightened issues in Kyiv that President-elect Donald Trump, set to take workplace on January 20, could scale back US assist for Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the vital position the US has performed in uniting the worldwide group behind Ukraine’s trigger. “I additionally thanked him for the unwavering assist of Ukraine’s independence and for the very important position the USA has performed in uniting the worldwide group,” Zelenskyy tweeted.
Biden has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine, offering billions of {dollars} in navy support and price range assist to assist Ukraine defend itself towards Russian aggression. Not too long ago, the US introduced almost $6 billion in new navy and monetary help.
Along with discussing the continued navy assist, the 2 leaders additionally targeted on new sanctions aimed toward Russia’s vitality sector. Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of the sanctions, stating, “We mentioned the small print of the brand new US sanctions bundle focusing on Russia’s vitality sector, which helps Putin bankroll the warfare. It’s vital that these sanctions now strike at Russia’s shadow tanker fleet and key corporations reminiscent of Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, which funnel funds on to Putin.”
The Biden administration’s efforts to supply Ukraine with navy support have been vital in sustaining Ukraine’s protection towards Russia’s invasion, which continues to fail in reaching its strategic aims. A White Home press launch highlighted the success of those efforts, noting that “Russia has failed to attain any of its strategic aims in Ukraine.”
Biden strengthened the significance of continued US assist, stating that preserving Ukraine’s independence is important for your complete democratic world. Zelenskyy echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the continued help: “We deeply worth President Biden’s phrases that preserving and defending Ukraine’s independence is vital for all of Europe and the democratic world. We are going to undoubtedly stand agency and obtain a long-lasting peace for our folks and our nation.”
The dialog additionally included discussions on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses to guard civilians from ongoing Russian missile and drone assaults. Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the US-provided “Patriots,” which have confirmed efficient in defending Ukrainian cities. “The ‘Patriots’ in Ukrainian arms have confirmed their effectiveness, and we should proceed to boost this capability,” Zelenskyy added.
