Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed sanctions against Russian aggression

Washington: To reiterate US support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, US President Joe Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. A fresh round of US sanctions aimed at Russia’s energy industry was also discussed.

“President Joseph Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today to discuss US support for Ukraine in its courageous defense against Russian aggression,” the White House stated in a summary of Biden’s conversation with Zelenskyy.

President Biden gave President Zelenskyy an update on US initiatives to bolster Ukraine’s standing against Russia and increase support for the country. In addition to the historic sanctions system it has imposed on the Russian economy since 2022, the United States today unveiled a comprehensive set of penalties targeting the Russian energy industry.

Additionally, Biden said that the United States’ backing is essential to Ukraine’s struggle for “freedom.”

“I spoke with President Zelenskyy today to update him on the United States’ surge of support to Ukraine,” Biden said in a post shared on X. It is crucial to keep supporting Ukraine in its struggle for independence so that the Ukrainian people may achieve the fair and sustainable peace they are entitled to.”

In addition to expressing his appreciation for the US’ assistance, President Zelenskyy praised the chambers of Congress and political parties for “supporting just pressure on Russia for its unprovoked and brutal aggression.”

“I thanked him for his unwavering support of Ukraine’s independence and for the crucial role the United States has played in bringing the international community together,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X. We spoke about the specifics of the recent round of US sanctions aimed against Russia’s oil industry, which provides funding for Putin’s war.

The fact that these sanctions now target Russia’s shadow tanker fleet and important businesses like Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz that transfer money straight to Putin is noteworthy. He must see the immediate financial consequence of his conflict and feel its cost. For their backing of this fair pressure on Russia for its ruthless and unwarranted attack, I am thankful to the United States, both political parties, and both houses of Congress.

“We also talked about the state of the battlefield and the necessity of continuously bolstering our air defenses to safeguard civilians in Ukrainian cities and villages against Russian terror—daily drone and missile attacks,” he said. The efficacy of the “Patriots” in Ukrainian hands has been shown, and we must keep improving this capability.”