‘On this day, my message to the Ukrainian people is clear: the United States stands with you,’ President Joe Biden said.
President Joe Biden reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine following Russia’s massive drone attack against the country, which left more than a million Ukrainian households without electricity.
The outgoing president said it highlighted the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression.
“On this day, my message to the Ukrainian people is clear: the United States stands with you,” he stated. “The United States stands with more than 50 countries in support of Ukraine and its fight for freedom.”
Biden said that the United States has been working for months to help Ukraine strengthen “the resilience of its energy grid” ahead of the winter season while the Pentagon “continues to surge other critical capabilities to Ukraine, including artillery, rockets, and armored vehicles.”
“Earlier this year, and at my direction, the United States began prioritizing air defense exports so they go to Ukraine first,” the president stated.
Putin said that Russia’s Ministry of Defence and general staff were already selecting targets to hit on Ukrainian territory, which could include “military facilities, defense and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centers in Kyiv.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s recent drone attack and accused Putin of escalating the war to prevent efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin said Biden’s reported authorization of Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles to target Russian territory could complicate the incoming Trump administration’s efforts to engage Russia in peace talks.
Chris Summers contributed to this report.