Over 50 countries have pledged to supply 700 tanks to Ukraine – Biden

More than 50 world countries have pledged to deliver 700 tanks and thousands of armored vehicles, 1,000 artillery systems, more than 2 million artillery ammunition, more than 15 modern missile launchers, and air defense systems to Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden stated this in Kyiv during a joint press conference with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrinform reports.

"At the time when I first received intelligence about the course of events a year ago, we were focused on how we were going to interact with the world, how we were going to help you, and how we were going to keep our commitments," Biden stressed. "The Americans came together and decided to support us in moving forward. The American people know that the threat of suppression of freedom threatens us all."

He added that NATO in the Atlantic, Japan in the Pacific region, and the whole world — more than 50 states — were united for Ukraine to receive unprecedented military, economic, and humanitarian aid. Biden said that the world's leading powers and economies have united to make russia pay a huge price for its war crimes.

"Together, we undertook to deliver 700 tanks and thousands of armored vehicles, 1,000 artillery systems, more than 2 million artillery ammunition, more than 15 modern missile launchers, and air defense systems — all this to protect Ukraine," Biden said, adding that didn't include the more than half a billion dollars the US would be announcing today and tomorrow. "And this is only the contribution from the United States," Biden said.

This aid includes ammunition for HIMARS systems and howitzers, more anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems, and more reconnaissance systems to protect the people of Ukraine from aerial bombardment.

"At the end of this week, we will announce additional sanctions to hit the russian war machine. Thanks to the bipartisan support of Congress, this week we are also delivering billions in direct budget support that the (Ukrainian) government will be able to use immediately to provide basic services to its citizens," Biden said.

"The price that Ukraine is forced to pay is extremely high. Its self-sacrifice is very difficult. We stand with the families who lost loved ones in this cruel and unjust war. We know that there will be very difficult days, weeks, and years ahead… and we will be by your side for as long as it takes," the US President added.

He stressed that russia aimed to erase Ukraine from the world map, but this military attack failed. The russian military has already lost part of the territory of Ukraine that was occupied.

"russians are fleeing. Tens of thousands of russians will never return to russia. They are fleeing not only from the army. They are leaving russia itself because they do not see a future in this country. The Russian economy is now collapsing, isolated, and struggling to survive. putin thought that Ukraine was weak and that the West was divided. He was wrong… God knows what he's thinking now. But his plan was wrong," Biden said.

Then he continued by turning to Zelesnky and saying Ukraine can count on partners to stay together. "You can count on our ability to preserve NATO unity and bring others to Ukraine's side," he said.

He also stated he was excited about the opportunity to visit Ukraine. "In Washington, you told us, and you told Congress — we have no fear, so the world should not fear either. You and all Ukrainians remind the world daily what it means to be courageous," he said. He continued that all sectors of Ukraine's economy and all areas of life remind everyone that freedom is priceless. "We will fight for it for as long as it will be necessary, and all this time, we will be with you," the US President assured.

As reported, on Monday, February 10, the President of the USA arrived on a visit to Ukraine. Biden has already announced that the US is allocating a new military aid package worth $500 million to Ukraine which will include, in particular, missiles for the HIMARS system, Javelin anti-tank missile systems, etc.

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Biden in Kyiv. RUBRYKA PHOTO