Zelenskyy, Biden discuss Ukraine's air defense, energy issues

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed defense cooperation and energy infrastructure issues in a phone call with his US counterpart Joe Biden, with the two agreeing on the need to bolster Kyiv’s air defenses.

In a tweet, Zelenskyy said the pair had “a fruitful conversation” focused on “further defense cooperation, protection and maintenance of our energy sector.”

The two leaders also “coordinated positions on the eve of the #G7 online summit,” he wrote.

He thanked Biden for the security package announced by the US last Friday, while emphasizing “the importance of capable air defense,” read a statement from the Ukrainian presidency.

Zelenskyy reiterated that about 50% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed in Russian attacks, urging Biden “to do everything possible to help protect the civilian population of Ukraine and its critical infrastructure.”

He “expressed his gratitude for the unprecedented defense and financial assistance” provided by the US, “as well as for consistent support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, for leadership in consolidating international efforts to counter Russian aggression,” the statement said.

“Zelenskyy praised the aid allocated by the United States for the reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy system. He expressed hope for further deepening of cooperation in this area,” it added.

He asserted that Ukraine “wants to achieve peace and drew attention to the importance of consolidating international efforts to reach this goal.”

Zelenskyy said the “Peace Formula” he presented at last month’s G-20 summit “provides for 10 critically important steps ... which will make it possible to stop the war.”

- ‘US prioritizing Ukraine’s air defense’

According to a White House statement, Biden highlighted how the US is “prioritizing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense” through its security assistance, including Friday’s “announcement of $275 million in additional ammunition and equipment that included systems to counter the Russian use of unmanned aerial vehicles.”

“President Biden also highlighted the November 29 announcement of $53 million to support energy infrastructure to strengthen the stability of Ukraine’s energy grid in the wake of Russia’s targeted attacks,” read the statement.

He welcomed Zelenskyy’s “stated openness to a just peace based on fundamental principles” and reaffirmed the US’ “commitment to continue providing Ukraine with security, economic, and humanitarian assistance, holding Russia accountable for its war crimes and atrocities, and imposing costs on Russia for its aggression,” it added. ​​​​​​