Biden hosting Ukrainian leader for key talks amid counteroffensive

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for pivotal talks Thursday at the White House as Kyiv seeks additional arms to carry out its counteroffensive against Russia.

Biden told reporters ahead of the closed-door meeting that the Ukrainian people "have shown enormous bravery" in the face of Russia's war and the US is "formalizing our commitment to Ukraine's long-term security alongside the G7 and with other partners."

"We're supporting a just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

The American president is slated to reveal another US military aid package for Ukraine that the White House said will include air defense assets, additional ammunition for already-supplied HIMARS missile systems, anti-armor weapons, artillery ammunition and other weapons.

It will not include long-range surface-to-surface missile systems publicly sought by Ukraine, known as ATACMS, but Biden has not ruled out their provision in the future, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Zelenskyy said the US and Ukraine "are really, truly allies," and voiced appreciation for the "vital assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine to combat Russia terrorism."

"When it comes to weapons, we will discuss everything with a special emphasis on air defense," he said. "I am in Washington to strengthen Ukraine's position to defend our children, our families, our homes, freedom and democracy in the world."

Zelenskyy took to Capitol Hill earlier where he sought to shore up support for continued US assistance, particularly amongs the Republican rank-and-file where resistance has been building.

The Ukrainian president said his discussion with lawmakers included "frank, constructive dialogue" with members of both parties in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Zelenskyy is slated to deliver public remarks at the US National Archives later Thursday.