Readout of President Biden’s Meeting President Zelenskyy of Ukraine

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. hosted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine at the White House today. President Biden reiterated that the United States will continue to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression for as long as it takes and hold Russia accountable for human rights abuses and war crimes.

The presidents and their advisors discussed Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive.  President Biden provided an update on forthcoming U.S. security assistance. He shared that the United States will announce a significant new package today, including more air defense capabilities to help Ukraine protect its people and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks both now and in the winter. The United States is also coordinating sustained deliveries of short range air defense systems like the Avenger, longer range air defense systems such as the HAWK, and hybrid systems that pair Western air defense interceptors with existing Ukrainian systems. He also shared that Abrams tanks will arrive in Ukraine next week. In addition, the United States is committed to bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, including through partnerships with Ukraine’s defense industrial base. To that end, the United States government will host a conference this fall that brings together U.S. defense industry, Ukrainian business leaders, and officials from both governments to explore options for joint ventures and co-production.

President Biden and President Zelenskyy discussed U.S. support to Ukraine’s energy sector and economic recovery. They talked about efforts to increase energy generation and transmission capacity, and welcomed their governments’ signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience.  President Biden introduced Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker, who will focus on engaging the private sector, partner countries, and Ukrainian counterparts to align support for priority investments and reforms designed to improve the business climate. 

President Zelenskky shared his plans to address corruption in Ukraine. President Biden underscored the importance of strong, politically independent anti-corruption institutions, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor, and the High Anti-Corruption Court.

Finally, President Biden welcomed President Zelenskyy’s ongoing diplomatic effort to secure global support for a just and lasting peace.

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