US-made Abrams tanks to arrive in Ukraine next week: Biden on new aid package

US President Joe Biden announces a new aid batch to Ukraine and notes that the first Abrams tanks will be delivered to Ukraine next week during President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House.

During a meeting with Cabinet members, Biden reaffirmed the US and its partners' commitment to Ukraine.

Today I approved the next tranche of American security assistance to Ukraine, including more artillery, more ammunition, more anti-tank weapons. Next week, the first American Abrams tanks will be delivered to Ukraine.

We are also focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities to protect the critical infrastructure that provides heat and light during the coldest and darkest days of the year.

This includes the provision of a second Hawk air defense battery, with ongoing deliveries of additional batteries and other systems every month through the winter. As well as interceptor systems to protect Ukraine's grain elevators, hospitals, schools and power plants. This will help save Ukrainian lives, Joe Biden said.

Biden also gave a harsh assessment of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who mistakenly believed that he could destroy support for Ukraine in a matter of months.

He assured that America intends to continue to support Ukraine, which is fighting back against Russian troops.

Mr. President, the American people – Democrats, Republicans, and families across our country – understand that Ukraine is fighting for what generations of Americans have also defended and preserved. It's very simple: freedom, liberty and sovereignty, the US president said.

He emphasized that by helping Ukraine, the US is thinking about the future.

We're committed to build a force capable of assuring Ukraine's long-term security. Capable of deterring future threats against sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom — which are under way now. Because that's what this is all about. The future. The future of freedom. America can never, will never, walk away from that, Biden said.

That's why 575 days later we stand with Ukraine and we'll continue to stand with you, Mr. President.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 21. He met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, House Republican Party Leader Steve Scalise, and House Democratic Party Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

During a meeting with US congressmen in the Capitol,  Zelensky urged them to approve additional funding for Ukraine.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the US will continue to work actively with Ukraine and its allies and partners to provide the Ukrainian army with everything it needs to succeed on the battlefield.

Late in the evening, Zelensky arrived at the White House to hold a meeting and talk with President Biden.

The US has provided a $325 million military aid package, including AIM-9M missiles for air defense, Avenger air defense systems, additional ammunition for HIMARS, and several other weapons.

However, the new aid will not include the Army's ATACMS tactical missile systems, which would help Ukrainian soldiers strike enemy targets at long range.