President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talk at the Walk of the Brave, Monday, February 20, 2023, during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Ukraine. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)
Donald Trump is fond of telling the massive crowds at his rallies that he believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the greatest salesman in history because every time he comes to America, he leaves with $60 billion. Recently, Zelenskyy was in Pennsylvania, a battleground state, autographing artillery shells made there alongside Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in what many observers considered an insult to Republicans who were not invited to the armory visit. Shortly after the visit, Joe Biden released about $8 billion more to Ukraine, confirming that Zelenskyy is still the greatest salesman in history. The Wall Street Journal’s Lindsay Wise, Gordon Lubold, and Alexander Ward report:
WASHINGTON—President Biden on Thursday directed that Ukraine receive the remaining $5.5 billion worth of American weapons and equipment previously authorized by Congress, underlining his commitment to Kyiv’s cause ahead of his meeting Thursday with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
The administration’s announcement includes separate funding of about $2.4 billion through what is known as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will provide Ukraine with air defenses, drones and other weapons that over the long term will help to sustain its military needs.
The president also approved the transfer of the Joint Standoff Weapon, a long-range munition that will help Ukraine strike faraway Russian positions in its own territory and within Ukraine, as well as one Patriot missile-defense system to protect Ukrainian cities facing consistent Russian bombardment. The announcement included the expansion of the F-16 pilot-training program for 18 additional Ukrainian pilots.
“Through these actions, my message is clear: The U.S. will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war,” Biden said.
Biden’s announcement came on what could be a pivotal day for Zelensky, who retains significant support in Washington but has faced relentless criticism from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and has recently angered some GOP backers over perceived political missteps. Zelensky met with congressional leaders from both parties at the Capitol on Thursday morning and was set to meet with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, later in the day.
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