The two leaders convened for discussions in Paris, following their attendance at the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France.
The new aid package from the US Department of Defense is set to include ammunition and anti-aircraft missiles, addressing critical needs in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, which began a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Biden attributed the previous delays in aid to opposition from some Republicans in Congress, while reaffirming the United States' steadfast support for Ukraine. "The United States will stand with you," Biden assured Zelensky. "You haven't bowed down. You haven't yielded at all. You continue to fight in a way that is just remarkable, just remarkable."
Zelensky highlighted the essential role of US support in Ukraine's resistance against Russia. "We count on your continuing support in staying with us shoulder to shoulder," he stated.
After meeting with Zelensky, Biden delivered a passionate address at Pointe Du Hoc, a significant D-Day site in Normandy. Reflecting on the sacrifices made on June 6, 1944, he said, "Does anyone doubt that they would want America to stand up against Putin's aggression here in Europe today? They're asking us to do our job: to protect freedom in our time, to defend democracy, to stand up to aggression abroad and at home."
Earlier in the day, Zelensky addressed the French parliament, expressing regret that Europe is "unfortunately no longer a continent of peace" due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. He expressed hope that an upcoming summit in Switzerland might help bring an end to the war.
During his visit, Zelensky is also set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. In an interview on French TV, Macron announced that Paris would send Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots, with training expected to begin this summer. "You need normally between five, six months. So by the end of the year there will be pilots. The pilots will be trained in France," Macron said. He also noted that Western allies would consider sending military instructors to train Ukrainian forces on the ground.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Macron's comments, stating that they indicated a willingness to take a "direct" role in the Ukraine conflict.
These developments follow a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned that Moscow could arm countries to target the West, criticizing the delivery of long-range weapons to Ukraine. Although Putin did not specify which countries Moscow might supply with weapons, his statement heightened tensions.
The US has authorized Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia, but only in the Kharkiv region. The White House has clarified that Ukraine cannot use long-range ATACMS missiles on Russian soil. (ILKHA)