Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Joe Biden: US does not want to supply Ukraine with ATACMS missiles

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Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden on their way to the US President's Oval Office

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Evan Vucci / POOL / EPA

US President Joe Biden has received Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, assuring him of further support for defending against Russia's war of aggression. The U.S. would ensure that the "world stands with Ukraine," Biden said. Russia alone stands in the way of peace, Biden said after the conversation with Zelensky in the Oval Office. Zelensky thanked the US for its support in the fight against "Russian terror".

Zelensky had already visited the US Congress in the morning and called for further aid in the war against Russia during talks with members of parliament and senators. The Ukrainian president said afterwards that he was counting on the "continued support" of the United States. To win, we have to stand together. And win together.«

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned of a possible lack of further support for Kyiv: "Mr. Zelensky told us, 'If we don't get the help, we're going to lose the war.'"

Republicans oppose further aid

Biden asked Congress for $24 billion in new funding for Ukraine. But there is resistance from the ranks of the conservative Republicans, who make up the majority in the House of Representatives.

In the evening, Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan already announced a new package of military aid to Kyiv. However, he clarified that the package does not include ATACMS missiles, which Zelensky wants. Biden decided against a delivery of ATACMS missiles after careful consideration, Sullivan said. "But he doesn't rule it out for the future."

However, the first Abrams tanks would be delivered to Ukraine as early as next week, as Biden confirmed after the conversation with Zelensky. The U.S. would also support Ukraine in strengthening its anti-aircraft defenses for the winter.

In total, the United States will provide Ukraine with $128 million in new security assistance, as well as $197 million in weapons and equipment, the State Department said, according to CNN. The aid package includes additional anti-aircraft ammunition "to strengthen Ukraine's anti-aircraft defenses against Russian airstrikes now and in the coming winter, when Russia is likely to renew its attacks on critical Ukrainian infrastructure," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. It also includes artillery ammunition and anti-tank equipment, as well as cluster munitions, which will further enhance Ukraine's ability to continue its counteroffensive against Russian forces," he added.

czl/AFP/Reuters