Biden says Putin utilizing ‘winter as a weapon’

President Biden on Wednesday mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is utilizing “winter as a weapon,” remarks he made on the prime of a bilateral assembly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who’s visiting the White Home.

“I’m delighted you have been in a position to make the journey and be right here. And, you realize, it’s an honor to be by your aspect,” Biden mentioned to Zelensky at their historic assembly. He added that Putin is “escalating his assaults on civilians” and making an attempt to “use winter as a weapon.”

Russia’s battle with Ukraine is now stretching into its tenth month.

Biden additionally introduced forward of Zelensky’s go to that the U.S. is offering a further $2 billion in help aimed to assist Ukraine defend in opposition to Russian aerial onslaughts which are focusing on its power and electrical energy infrastructure. 

The $2 billion will embody Patriot missile batteries, which may also help goal ballistic and cruise missiles, in addition to unmanned plane.

Zelensky, on the White Home, mentioned he and Biden will focus on subjects together with “so many challenges in Ukraine, in Europe, on the planet, from power to the state of affairs on the battlefield.” 

He added that he and the individuals of Ukraine appreciated all assist from the U.S. 

“That’s your management. Thanks to start with,” he mentioned, including that he additionally appreciates “peculiar” Individuals for his or her assist.

White Home nationwide safety spokesman John Kirby earlier on Wednesday mentioned that Zelensky’s unprecedented go to to Washington comes because the battle enters a brand new part. Putin has stepped up his assaults on civilian infrastructure and targets, he mentioned, whereas highlighting the significance of offering air protection capabilities.

“No query about it, Mr. Putin is clearly not all in favour of diplomacy proper now, fairly the opposite. He’s all in favour of killing extra civilian Ukrainians and knocking out the lights and knocking out the warmth because the winter approaches. We additionally should ensure that we additionally keep centered on the safety help,” Kirby instructed CNN.

Within the bilateral assembly on Wednesday, Biden additionally mentioned that the U.S. “will assist Ukraine pursuing a simply peace.”

Biden and Zelensky are anticipated to debate what a “simply peace” may seem like and a possible finish to the battle in Ukraine.

Zelensky’s go to to Washington is the primary time he has been recognized to go away Ukraine because the Russian invasion started in February. Biden and Zelensky will maintain a joint press convention following their assembly and Zelensky will tackle a joint assembly of Congress within the night.