President Joe Biden apologized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the delay in the United States military assistance to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
Biden issued the public apology during a visit to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy after Zelensky urged Americans to support his country’s fight against Russia regardless of their political affiliation.
“It’s very important that in this unity, United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine like it was during World War II. How the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe. And we count on your continuing support in standing with us shoulder to shoulder,” Zelensky stated.
Biden then assured the Ukrainian leader that the U.S. still supports his country “completely” even after Republicans in Congress initially stood against a $61 billion military aid package for the country. Congress finally passed the package in April after a six-month holdup.
Speaking on behalf of the U.S., Biden said, “We’re still in. Completely. Thoroughly.”
Biden’s reassurance comes after he granted Ukraine the permission to use weapons provided by the United States on targets in Russia “for counter-fire purposes.”
“The President recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S. weapons for counter-fire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them,” a U.S. official said of the move.
ABC News’ David Muir asked the president on Thursday during his visit to France if weapons given to Ukraine by the U.S. are “being used right now inside of Russia.” In response, he clarified, “They’re authorized to be used within proximity to the border. We’re not authorizing strikes 200 miles into Russia. We’re not authorizing strikes on Moscow.”
David Muir: "Are American weapons being used right now inside Russia?"
Joe Biden: "Yes!!!" pic.twitter.com/0ECe4kIdNV
— Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) June 6, 2024
