Biden promises Ukraine ‘advanced air defence systems’ after Russian missile strikes
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President Joe Biden on Monday told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would provide Ukraine’s armed forces with “advanced air defence systems” and other self-defence support after Russian missile strikes hit a range of civilian targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
A White House readout of a phone call between the two leaders said Mr Biden “expressed his condemnation” of the latest Russian attacks and “conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured”.
Earlier on Monday Mr Biden said in a statement that the US “strongly condemns” the Russian missile strikes which Vladimir Putin’s government unleashed after Ukrainian intelligence services blew up a Russian-built bridge connecting Russian territory with Crimea, the Ukrainian region which Moscow illegally invaded in 2014.
The cruise missile attacks struck numerous targets during rush hour in Kyiv, causing damage and casualties at such places as a public park, a children’s play area and a pedestrian bridge, with at least eight Ukrainian lives lost.
In a statement, Mr Biden said the attacks “killed and injured civilians and destroyed targets with no military purpose” and “once again demonstrate the utter brutality” of the Russian leader’s “illegal war on the Ukrainian people”.
“We offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were senselessly killed today, as well as our best wishes for the recovery of those who were wounded,” he said, adding that the attacks “only further reinforce” America’s “commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes”.
“Alongside our allies and partners, we will continue to impose costs on Russia for its aggression, hold Putin and Russia accountable for its atrocities and war crimes, and provide the support necessary for Ukrainian forces to defend their country and their freedom,” he said. “We again call on Russia to end this unprovoked aggression immediately and remove its troops from Ukraine”.
