September 2, 2021
2 mins read

Biden meets Ukrainian president over security issues, ties

Biden announced an additional $60 million in security assistance to Ukraine, and the creation of a new strategic defence framework as well as an energy and climate dialogue…reports Asian Lite News

President Joe Biden has discussed security issues and bilateral ties in his first meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At the beginning of their meeting on Wednesday in the Oval Office, Biden said “the United States remains firmly committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression and our support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”

Biden announced an additional $60 million in security assistance to Ukraine, and the creation of a new strategic defence framework as well as an energy and climate dialogue.

Zelensky said in his remarks that he expected to discuss the security situation in Crimea and Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, and “Ukraine’s chances to join NATO.”

Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014, following a popular referendum, which Ukraine and the West never recognized.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, which began in April 2014, has claimed some 14,000 lives and left as many as 40,000 wounded. Kiev blamed Moscow for inciting the conflict. Russia, however, has denied the charges, saying the accusations are groundless.

The $60 million security package included Javelin anti-armor systems and “other defensive lethal and non-lethal capabilities,” according to a US-Ukraine joint statement.

The statement also covered topics of US support of Ukraine’s reform and combatting corruption agenda, economic cooperation, and pandemic response.

The meeting between the two leaders was initially scheduled on Monday but was delayed as the Biden administration was focused on the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Zelensky met separately with Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Tuesday.

The visit came at a time of growing concerns in Kiev about its relations with Washington.

Before the visit, Zelensky expressed his frustration with Western allies’ hesitancy to greenlight Ukraine’s accession to NATO in an interview with The Washington Post and other media outlets.

Zelensky has been critical of America’s weakening opposition to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which will transport Russian gas to Germany. Ukraine sees the project as a security threat.

Despite the long-time opposition, the Biden administration reached a deal with Germany that allowed the completion of the pipeline project. Berlin agreed to support Ukraine to strengthen its energy sector and act against Russia if it weaponizes the energy.

ALSO READ: The Growing South China Sea Dispute

Previous Story

US private sector adds only 374,000 jobs in Aug

Next Story

Qatar working with Taliban to reopen Kabul airport

Latest from -Top News

Modi rallies diaspora for India’s 2047 vision 

Highlighting the diaspora’s achievements, PM Modi praised their contributions, noting that India is now the world’s top recipient of remittances, largely thanks to their hard work….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra

More troubles await China in 2025 

As the new year unfolds, it is clear that both China and its global counterparts are in for a turbulent period. One key aspect to monitor closely will be the evolving dynamics

Japan, Sri Lanka strengthen bilateral cooperation 

The discussions focused on key topics such as debt restructuring, the ongoing expansion project at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)…reports Asian Lite News Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Mr.

Sri Lankan President due in China on Jan 14 

This visit follows Dissanayake’s first foreign trip to India in December, after assuming office on September 21….reports Asian Lite News Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will begin a three-day visit to

Indo-Nepal forces tackle urban warfare, jungle survival 

The exercise features rigorous training in jungle survival, urban warfare, heliborne operations…reports Asian Lite News With focus on counterterrorism and operations in challenging terrains, the 18th edition of the Indo-Nepal Joint Military
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Top US National Security Official Meets Jaishankar

US Principal Dy NSA Jon Finer also acknowledges India’s establishment

White House denies ‘warning’ India

“President Biden believes our partnership with India is one of