Biden apologizes to Zelenskyy for delaying weapons, allowing Russia to make gains
Amidst the backdrop of historical significance, President Joe Biden publicly apologized to Ukraine for the delay in American military assistance that allowed Russia to make strategic gains on the battlefield. The apology, issued during his visit to Paris alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after attending D-Day anniversary events in Normandy, acknowledged the uncertainties faced by Ukraine while $61 billion in military aid was held up by conservative Republicans in Congress.
Expressing remorse for the delay, President Biden reassured Ukraine of unwavering American support in the long run. He emphasized, “We’re still in. Completely. Thoroughly.” President Zelenskyy, in turn, urged bipartisan U.S. support akin to the unity displayed during World War II, as he expressed gratitude for lawmakers eventually approving the crucial military aid package. Thanks to this aid, Ukraine has managed to thwart recent Russian advances.
The United States remains a major supplier of wartime support for Ukraine, an essential lifeline as Ukraine defends itself against a fierce Russian offensive primarily concentrated in the key border regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk. Russian forces aim to exploit Ukrainian vulnerabilities in ammunition and troop numbers along the vast 1,000-kilometer front line.
The six-month delay in military aid, which was only resolved with the signing of the $61 billion package by President Biden in April, exacerbated the challenges faced by Ukraine. President Zelenskyy, long frustrated by the slow delivery of Western weaponry, also had to navigate strained relations with Biden due to the latter’s initial reluctance to supply more hardware to avoid provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, in the face of Russia’s intensified aggression and Ukraine’s precarious position, some NATO allies, including the U.S., recently authorized Ukraine to use supplied weapons for limited counterattacks within Russia’s borders. This move elicited a stern response from the Kremlin, underscoring the high stakes and potential escalation of the conflict.
During the memorable D-Day anniversary events in Normandy, President Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to Ukraine, drawing a poignant parallel between combating Nazi oppression in World War II and countering Russian aggression today. Ukraine sees its resistance against Russia as a fight for Western democratic values against Russian authoritarianism, while Russia portrays it as a defensive measure against NATO’s supposed expansion.
President Zelenskyy, in a moving address at the French National Assembly, underscored the critical juncture faced by Ukraine in shaping its history amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Encouraging strong international solidarity, Zelenskyy highlighted the pivotal role of allies like France, which announced the provision of Mirage combat aircraft to Ukraine.
As part of his diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy embarked on a series of meetings in Paris aimed at garnering continued support for Ukraine’s defense and solidifying strategic partnerships with key Western allies. Notably, France and Ukraine signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement earlier this year, symbolizing the deepening alliance between Europe and Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic engagements reflect Ukraine’s unwavering determination to secure its sovereignty and garner crucial international support in the face of Russian hostilities. By forging strong partnerships and alliances, Ukraine seeks to safeguard its future and uphold democratic values in the face of adversity.
