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作成日: 2022/12/22 11:02

更新日: 2025/12/09 10:05

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday showcased their continuing resolve to work together to push back Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as Zelenskyy made his first overseas trip since the war began in February.

Marking the 300th day since the start of the invasion and with the end of the war nowhere in sight, the Biden administration invited the Ukrainian leader to the White House and announced $1.85 billion in new security assistance including the Patriot air defense system, one of the world's most advanced.

The meeting took place as Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure including its energy grid, amid freezing winter temperatures.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) talks with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Dec. 21, 2022, during his first known overseas trip since Russia's invasion. (Getty/Kyodo)

At the outset of the meeting with Biden, Zelenskyy, clad in his trademark khaki green outfit, expressed deep appreciation for the support offered by the United States and many other countries.

"Thanks from our ordinary people to your ordinary people," said the 44-year-old comedian-turned-president who has emerged as a heroic wartime leader.

Biden said the Ukrainian people "continue to inspire the world" with their resilience and resolve to defend their future, and pledged to continue to strengthen Ukraine's ability to fight back, particularly in air defense, criticizing Russia for seeking to use "winter as a weapon."

"We should be clear about what Russia is doing. It is purposely attacking Ukraine's critical infrastructure, destroying the systems to provide heat and light to Ukrainian people during the coldest, darkest part of the year," Biden said during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy after their meeting.

"We also know that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has no intention, no intention of stopping this cruel war," Biden said. He ended the press conference by telling Zelenskyy, "You don't have to worry. We are staying with Ukraine as long as Ukraine is there."

A senior Biden administration official emphasized that the support for Kyiv will remain "broad, deep and bipartisan," despite concerns over possible tougher oversight regarding financial aid to Ukraine as the Republicans take control of the House of Representatives from January following the midterm elections.

While maintaining its stance of not sending U.S. troops to Ukraine for direct combat with Russia, the Biden administration has committed to around $20 billion in security assistance since the beginning of Russia's military aggression on Feb. 24.

U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a joint press conference at the White House in Washington on Dec. 21, 2022. (Getty/Kyodo)

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Patriot defense system is by far the most expensive single weapon system supplied to Ukraine by the United States. The total cost will probably be around $1.1 billion -- $400 million for the system and $690 million for the missiles -- experts at the U.S. think tank said.

But the experts also said the Patriot system will "not be a game changer, being limited by the area it can cover, the single unit being deployed, and the high cost of its interceptors."

A senior defense official told reporters that the Patriot missile battery will give Ukraine "a critical long-range capability to defend its airspace," with the capabilities to intercept cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and aircraft.

Russia has been warning against Washington's potential delivery of the ground-based air defense system to Ukraine, viewing the move as provocative.

Biden emphasized during the press conference that the Patriot system is "defensive" and "not escalatory."

The United States will train Ukrainian forces on how to operate the Patriot missile battery in "a third country," said the senior administration official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, acknowledging that it "will take some time" until troops are able to operate the system in their own country.

Zelenskyy has been making online appearances at parliaments around the world as well as in multinational meetings to muster international support for his country. He delivered a speech virtually before the U.S. Congress in March.

The Ukrainian leader's expression of gratitude during his trip to the United States will likely serve as an "important injection of momentum and sustenance to American and allied support for the months ahead," the senior U.S. official said.

Related coverage:

China's Xi urges Russia to exercise restraint over Ukraine

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