United States President Joe Biden promised his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to provide more air defence systems following Russia’s widespread strikes on Monday.
Biden made the promise during a phone call with Zelensky ahead of an emergency Group of Seven meeting to discuss assistance for Ukraine and how to hold Russia “accountable” for the attacks, which claimed the lives of at least 14 people.
According to the White House, “President Biden pledged to continue providing Ukraine with the support needed to defend itself, including advanced air defence systems.”
Biden also told Zelensky that the United States along with its allies would continue to place sanctions on Russia to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes and atrocities and provide Ukraine with all types of aid.
As per an Anadolu Agency report, Biden also condemned the attack and offered his condolences to those who were injured or lost loved ones.
Zelensky responded to Biden by stating that anti-air systems are Kyiv’s number one priority in Ukraine’s defence cooperation with the US.
“We also need US leadership with the G7’s tough stance and with support for our UNGA resolution,” Ukraine’s president stated on Twitter.
Earlier on Monday, Ukrainian authorities claimed Russia fired 84 missiles at ten cities, 56 of which were intercepted by the air defence system. They also accused Moscow of targeting civilians.
On the other hand, Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that Moscow targeted military command and communication facilities and energy infrastructure in Monday’s attacks.
