Biden promises Zelenseky to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense

US President Joe Biden has promised his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to strengthen the country’s air defense as the conflict with Russia drags on.

According to Press TV, the White House said in a statement "In a telephone conversation with Zelensky on Sunday, President  Biden reaffirmed that his administration “is prioritizing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense through our security assistance."

Biden highlighted the latest $275 million in weapons, ammunition and other equipment the Pentagon has announced for Ukraine.  

The US president also drew attention to the $53 billion investment to support Ukraine’s energy system during the winter.

He once again threatened to impose costs on Russia for its special operation in Ukraine, according to the statement.

President Zelensky said in a post on his Telegram account that he thanked Biden for his “unprecedented” support.

“I had a phone call with US President Joe Biden and thanked for the unprecedented defense and financial assistance that the US provides to Ukraine,” Zelensky said.

Back in October, Biden reportedly lost his temper on a call with Zelensky, when the US president said Washington would send $1 billion in aid and the Ukrainian president responded with additional requests.

Biden reportedly told Zelensky he could be more grateful for US support, according to NBC News.

ME