In his welcome speech, the Pentagon chief noted that the United States is proud of its support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, stressing that this support “remains unwavering.”
Austin stressed the importance of deterring Russian aggression to avoid “even more bloodshed and chaos.” “America will be safer if we make it clear to potential aggressors around the world that they cannot decide which countries live and which die,” Austin said. – Despite his crimes and isolation, Putin still believes that he can survive Ukraine and the United States. But he’s wrong.”
The US Secretary of Defense also recalled that the US has provided more than $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and “together with President Zelensky and his team” has assembled a historic coalition of 50 allies and partners that have contributed more than $37 billion in aid. Security assistance to Ukraine.
For his part, Vladimir Zelensky stressed that the United States can count on Ukraine as a partner in the fight against Russian aggression. “Ukraine has not surrendered and will not surrender, we know what to do,” said the president of Ukraine. – Putin must be defeated. Now his weapons against you are propaganda and misinformation. But if given the opportunity, he will go further.”
Zelensky spoke about Ukraine’s successes in repelling Russian aggression, including returning 50% of the territory captured by Russia at the start of the war. He thanked the United States for the assistance provided, which Zelensky said helped protect the country’s civilian population from missile attacks.
The Ukrainian president also called on the United States to support Ukrainian soldiers with ammunition and equipment. He stressed that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and its capabilities in the sky will lead to the elimination of Russia’s advantage in the air.
“The United States and all free countries must have confidence in themselves, in their strengths, in their leadership, so that dictatorships doubt themselves… When the free world falters, dictatorships triumph,” said the Ukrainian president. – Each of you understands what it means for a soldier to wait weeks for ammunition, not knowing if he will receive support, when instead of advancing, he simply watches, waiting for armor or equipment, while his enemy is satisfied and prepares. attack”
On Tuesday, Zelensky will meet at the Capitol and meet with President Biden at the White House.
