Ukraine, together with the United States and other partners, is working to turn successes on the battlefield into a lasting and just peace. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with President of the United States Joseph Biden in Washington.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the American leader for his powerful support in the protection of life and freedom.
“When freedom is strong in one country, it is strong everywhere; when it burns in one soul, it presents its merits to others,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has already made significant progress: our army has liberated 50% of the territories occupied by Russia after February 24, 2022, and ended the dominance of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.
During the meeting, the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States discussed further cooperation, including strengthening Ukraine's air defense and increasing capabilities to destroy Russian logistics on Ukrainian land.
“We aim to win the air battle – crashing Russian air dominance. This will intensify our ground advances in 2024 with our control of the skies. Who controls the sky, controls the war's duration,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
Separately, the Head of State thanked the President of the United States for another very important defense assistance package for our defenders.
The President of Ukraine also expressed gratitude to Joseph Biden for supporting an important initiative on cooperation in the defense industry.
“Together, Ukraine and America can strengthen democracy’s arsenal. This is vital for other free nations and the U.S., as it involves your companies, technology advancement, and job creation. And it’s important to note that two-thirds of American support for Ukraine remains and works in the United States,” the Head of State said.
The President of Ukraine informed his interlocutor that Ukraine had fulfilled all the recommendations of the European Commission for the decision to start negotiations on EU membership to be approved. The parties also discussed joint sanctions steps and political efforts to put pressure on Russia.
“I thank America for new sanctions, and today we discussed Putin’s further isolation and making him pay for his aggression. It’s very important that by the end of this year we can send a very strong signal of our unity to the aggressor. The unity of Ukraine, America, Europe, the entire free world,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
He noted that today's dialogues in the White House and Congress, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with members of both parties and both chambers, were very productive.
“Everything we talked about today will help us in the year 2024,” the Head of State is convinced.
“No one but Putin wants a prolonged war. We dream of a Christmas in peacetime. We’re working to turn our battlefield success into peace. And we’re heading there – together with you and thanks to your support,” the President of Ukraine concluded.
For his part, Joseph Biden emphasized that the United States continues to provide Ukraine with critical weapons. According to him, a new military aid package worth $200 million will include air defense equipment, artillery, and ammunition.
"If we don't stop Putin today, freedom will be at risk everywhere. Putin will keep going, and the aggressor will take whatever he wants to take by force," the U.S. President said.
He assured Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the United States' full support for Ukraine.
"Mr. President, we will not walk away from Ukraine, the American people will not walk away from you. The majority of Americans in the United States, particularly in Congress, support your country. They understand, as I do, that Ukraine's success depends on overcoming aggression, and that security in the world will also depend on it," Joseph Biden said.
