In his first meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Joe Biden discussed security challenges and bilateral ties.
Biden stated at the start of their discussion in the Oval Office, “the United States remains strongly committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression, as well as our support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”
Biden pledged an additional $60 million in security aid to Ukraine, as well as the establishment of a new strategic defense framework and an energy and climate conversation.
In his remarks, Zelensky stated that he planned to discuss the security situation in Crimea and the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, and “Ukraine’s possibilities of joining NATO.”
Crimea was annexed by Russia in March 2014, following a popular referendum that Ukraine and the West refused to recognize.
The ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine, which began in April 2014, has taken about 14,000 lives and injured up to 40,000 people. Kiev accused Moscow of instigating the crisis. Russia, on the other hand, has refuted the allegations, claiming that they are without merit.
According to a joint statement issued by the United States and Ukraine, the $60 million security package comprised of Javelin anti-armor systems as well as “other defensive deadly and non-lethal capabilities.”
The statement also addressed the United States’ support for Ukraine’s reform and anti-corruption strategy, economic cooperation, and pandemic response.
The meeting between the two presidents was supposed to take place on Monday, but it was postponed because the Biden administration was focused on the pullout from Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, Zelensky met separately with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The visit came at a time when Kiev was growing increasingly concerned about its relations with Washington.
In an interview with The Washington Post and other media outlets prior to the visit, Zelensky highlighted his unhappiness with Western friends’ reluctance to approve Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Zelensky has criticized the United States for lowering its resistance to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which will bring Russian gas to Germany. Ukraine regards the initiative as a security risk.
In spite of the long-standing opposition, the Biden administration achieved an agreement with Germany that permitted the pipeline project to be completed. Berlin pledged to assist Ukraine in strengthening its energy industry and to take action against Russia if it weaponizes energy.
Source: Xinhua News Agency