Washington: On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden announced a significant donation of air-defence equipment to Ukraine, declaring that Russia is failing in its ongoing war. Speaking at a historic NATO summit marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary, Biden emphasized the unity and strength of NATO members and pledged continued support for Ukraine.
Biden revealed that the United States, along with Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy, will provide Ukraine with five additional strategic air-defence systems. In the coming months, the US and its partners intend to supply Ukraine with dozens of additional tactical air-defence systems. The US will prioritize Ukraine for the delivery of critical air-defence interceptors, ensuring they receive the assistance ahead of others.
“Ukraine will receive hundreds of additional interceptors over the next year, helping protect Ukrainian cities against Russian missile attacks and Ukrainian troops facing air attacks on their front lines,” Biden stated.
Biden highlighted the heavy losses Russia has sustained, with over 350,000 Russian troops dead or wounded and nearly one million Russians leaving the country. He pointed out that Kyiv, which was expected to fall within five days of the invasion, remains standing over two years later.
Reiterating that Putin’s war aims to subjugate Ukraine, destroy its democracy, culture, and existence, Biden assured that Ukraine can and will stop Putin. He declared, “Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail. This is a pivotal moment for Europe, the transatlantic community, and the world.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg echoed Biden’s sentiments, warning that the greatest risk would be if Russia wins in Ukraine, as it would embolden authoritarian leaders worldwide. He stressed that NATO’s success is the result of deliberate choices and difficult decisions and that the alliance must continue to stand for freedom and democracy.
In recognition of his decade of service, Biden presented Stoltenberg with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
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