United States President Joe Biden slams Russian President Vladimir Putin and his "illegal war" on Ukraine while also condemning Moscow's brutal missile strikes that killed dozens of civilians.
The situation follows Putin announcing the annexation of four partially-occupied Ukrainian regions. On the other hand, Ukrainian forces have mounted a strong counteroffensive against Moscow's military troops, reclaiming various territories that were lost to Russian aggression.
Biden Slams Russia
Ukraine has managed to defend itself from Russia's onslaught with the assistance of Western military aid. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly called on international leaders to do more to support his country against its attacker.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also "deeply shocked" by Moscow's widespread airstrikes since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement that the recent attack constitutes another unacceptable escalation of the war.
On Tuesday, the Group of Seven (G&) countries will hold discussions after the Russian missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities. Zelensky is expected to address leaders at the start of the virtual talks, as per Nikkei Asia.
Following the devastation of Russia's most recent airstrikes, Biden pledged on Monday that the U.S. will provide Ukraine with advanced air systems. The Democratic leader spoke with Zelensky to give assurances about continued US military support.
Furthermore, the US president also told his Ukrainian counterpart that his country and its allies and partners will continue imposing sanctions on Russia over its war. They seek to hold Moscow accountable for its war crimes and atrocities while providing Ukraine with security, economic, and humanitarian assistance.
According to Reuters, the Democratic president's remarks come as the United States has already provided more than $16.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Biden also imposed a wide-ranging array of economic sanctions on Moscow over its attack on its European neighbor.
Support For Ukraine
A senior Biden administration official was questioned whether the attacks over the past 24 hours would change the calculus on what the US government would consider offering Ukraine. He answered that they had no announcement to make on that front but noted that the government will continue to provide assistance to the besieged nation with short- and long-range air defense systems.
A second senior administration official added that the US government will transfer more than 1,400 Stinger anti-air systems as well as air surveillance and multi-mission radars. The US has enabled its allies to transfer air defense systems of their own to Ukraine, including Slovakia's S-300 system.
President Biden announced in August a new assistance package for Ukraine that included orders for eight new National Advanced Surface to Air Missiles Systems (NASAMS). The official said that they will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs to defend itself against Russia.
The situation comes as Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Monday. The American official reiterated US support following the deadly airstrikes. A total of 84 cruise missiles were launched by Russia against targets across Ukraine on Monday, CNN reported.
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