President Joe Biden called on the U.S. House to swiftly consider Senate-approved supplemental funding for Ukraine and Israel during a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala at the Oval Office. The Czech Republic recently announced its decision to send 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine to aid in its defense against Russia's invasion.
Biden emphasized the importance of international support for Ukraine, warning that Russia's aggression extends beyond its borders. He urged Congress to pass the funding promptly to enable the U.S. to contribute effectively to Ukraine's defense efforts.
Prime Minister Fiala commended President Biden for his leadership in backing Ukraine and expressed his country's commitment to assisting in any way possible. Reflecting on past experiences, Fiala emphasized the need to prevent a repeat of history, recalling the presence of Russian tanks in his town in 1968.
Biden acknowledged the Czech Republic as a valuable ally within NATO and praised their decision to procure F-35 fighter jets from the U.S., which is expected to enhance mutual cooperation and security.
Following the meeting, Fiala disclosed plans to engage with U.S. lawmakers on Capitol Hill to further discuss support for Ukraine. He underscored the significance of American assistance in the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the critical role of the U.S. in providing aid to Ukraine.