Zelenskyy arrives at White House

 

During their meeting, Biden and Zelenskyy will “have an in-depth strategic discussion on the way ahead on the battlefield, on the capabilities and training that the US and our allies will continue to provide to Ukraine,” as well as address economic and energy sector assistance and humanitarian aid, a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday.

 

The Biden administration earlier Wednesday announced its first transfer of a Patriot defense system to Ukraine as part of a new $1.85 billion military aid package. The package also includes expanded precision-strike capabilities, additional munitions and other “critical equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself on the battlefield,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

 

With Wednesday’s announcement, the US will have provided Ukraine with $21.9 billion in assistance since January 2021.

 

The Patriot system is capable of intercepting cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles and warplanes “at a significantly higher ceiling than previously provided air defense systems,” said Blinken.

 

The Kremlin had warned Washington against providing Ukraine with the system, saying last Thursday that any deliveries would raise the risk of Washington’s direct involvement in the conflict.