U.S. President Joe Biden publicly apologized to Ukraine for a congressional delay in military assistance that allowed Russia to gain ground on the battlefield. The apology came during a meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called for bipartisan U.S. support akin to World War II.
The two leaders had attended ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, where Biden emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Biden apologized for the delay in funding and reassured Zelenskyy of continued American support.
Zelenskyy urged all Americans to stand with Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion, thanking lawmakers for eventually approving a $61 billion military aid package. The U.S. announced an additional $225 million in military aid, including munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
Amid Russia’s recent offensive, some NATO allies, including the U.S., agreed to allow Ukraine to use weapons for limited attacks inside Russia, sparking a strong response from the Kremlin. Biden and Zelenskyy reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine during the D-Day anniversary events.
Zelenskyy, in a speech at the French National Assembly, drew parallels between World War II sacrifices and Ukraine’s current fight for freedom. He emphasized the importance of writing history in Ukraine’s favor and not becoming victims of their enemy.
The meeting in Paris aimed to secure more military help for Ukraine and strengthen bilateral alliances with Western countries. Zelenskyy’s efforts to keep Ukraine’s plight in the public eye have led to agreements with France and other European nations for long-term support in the fight against Russian aggression.