Biden Apologizes to Zelenskyy for Delayed U.S. Weapons Aid

President Joe Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday, addressing delays in U.S. military aid that Russia has used to its advantage on the battlefield. During the meeting, Biden publicly apologized for the prolonged wait and announced a new $225 million aid package, including air defense interceptors and artillery ammunition. Biden reaffirmed U.S. commitment to Ukraine, assuring Zelenskyy that America stands "completely" with Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of continued support from the U.S., especially as Ukraine faces intensified Russian offensives in the north and east.

This meeting follows the D-Day 80th anniversary events in Normandy, where Biden compared Ukraine's struggle to the fight against Nazi domination in World War II. Zelenskyy and Biden previously met in December at the White House, where Zelenskyy sought Congressional approval for more military aid, reflecting Ukraine's ongoing frustration with the pace and limitations of Western support.

French President Emmanuel Macron bolstered Ukraine's defense by promising Mirage combat aircraft and training for Ukrainian soldiers. Meanwhile, tensions between Kyiv's allies and Moscow have escalated due to the allowance for Ukraine to use Western weapons in limited strikes inside Russia. This decision has prompted threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned of potential arms deployments to target the West and hinted at nuclear weapon usage.

Putin's troops, despite claiming some initial victories, have faced significant resistance from Ukrainian forces in the Kharkiv border region. Zelenskyy noted the positive influence of U.S. decisions on the ground. Biden reiterated U.S. caution in allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory but maintained strong rhetorical support for Ukraine, likening the current conflict to the Allied efforts against Hitler.

In a symbolic gesture, Zelenskyy exchanged words of gratitude with a U.S. D-Day veteran, highlighting the historical parallels and shared values between the two nations.