U.S. President Joe Biden was scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday amidst escalating tensions as Ukraine faces a challenging period in its conflict with Russia. The United States remains a crucial source of military support for Kyiv, which is currently battling a fierce Russian offensive primarily concentrated in the border regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk. The offensive aims to exploit Ukraine's ammunition and troop shortages along the extensive 1,000-kilometer front line.
The delay in U.S. military aid, which was held up in Congress for six months, was finally resolved in April when President Biden signed a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine. In response to Russia's recent aggression, some NATO allies, including the U.S., have agreed to allow Ukraine to utilize weapons provided by them to conduct limited attacks within Russia, sparking strong condemnation from the Kremlin.
During the 80th-anniversary events of D-Day in Normandy, Biden reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to Ukraine, drawing parallels between the current conflict and the historical fight against Nazi domination. The conflict is framed by Ukraine as a battle for Western democratic values against Russian tyranny, while Russia claims it is defending itself from NATO's perceived expansion.
The U.S. announced a new military aid package of approximately $225 million for Ukraine, including munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and other essential weaponry. France also pledged support by providing Mirage combat aircraft to Ukraine, with President Macron expressing openness to the possibility of deploying Western troops in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts in Paris aimed to garner international support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression and solidify long-term alliances with Western nations. France and Ukraine signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement in February, with Zelenskyy subsequently securing similar agreements with several European countries to bolster Ukraine's position in the ongoing conflict.
As Zelenskyy continues his diplomatic engagements, Ukraine's struggle remains in the global spotlight, with efforts focused on securing additional military assistance and ensuring sustained Western backing through strategic partnerships.
