By Janet Ekstract
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Joe Biden voiced his support for Ukraine, on Wednesday, Ukraine Independence Day, stating that Ukrainians have “inspired the world” with their “extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom.” In his formal statement, Biden congratulated Ukraine on its day of independence, commenting: “And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains -and will remain – a sovereign and independent nation.
The U.S. president said that his country is “committed to supporting” the people of Ukraine in their continuing fight for freedom against Russia’s invasion. Biden added that part of that commitment includes the latest and largest “tranche of security assistance to date: approximately $2.98 billion of weapons and equipment to be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.” He said that with this additional assistance, this will allow Ukraine obtain air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to ensure its ongoing defense over the long haul. The president further stated: “Today and every day, we stand with the Ukrainian people to proclaim that the darkness that drives autocracy is no match for the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere.”
