CNN
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President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on Sunday to discuss Russia’s invasion and recent US efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
Zelensky thanked Biden for the $275 million in additional security aid announced by the Pentagon on Friday and for the broad and “unprecedented” US support for Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression, the presidency said in a statement published on Ukraine’s website.
The package announced last week includes weapons, artillery and equipment to help boost Ukraine’s air defenses.
“(Biden) committed the US to continuing to provide security, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, held Russia accountable for war crimes and atrocities, and imposed costs on Russia for its aggression,” the White House said in a statement.
“Unprecedented defense and financial assistance” from the US helped “not only win on the battlefield” but also “maintain the stability of our country’s economy,” a Ukrainian statement said.
He told the US president that “Russian missile terrorism” had destroyed 50% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, while thanking the US for providing aid specifically for the reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy systems.
Biden also highlighted a $53 million package announced late last month to support Ukraine’s electrical system, which faces attacks from Russia, according to a White House statement.
A power cut lasting more than 12 hours that tested the morale of civilians left Ukraine scouring the world for suitable parts and repairs. .
Zelensky also addressed his plan to convene a global peace summit. He laid out a 10-point peace plan to end Russia’s occupation in a video speech with G20 leaders in Bali last month.
Biden welcomed his openness to a just peace based on the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the White House said Sunday.
The steps include nuclear security, food security, a special tribunal for alleged Russian war crimes and a path to a final peace treaty with Moscow, as outlined by Zelensky last month.
