Vice President Kamala Harris has reaffirmed America's unwavering support for Ukraine after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders convened at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, a significant event that coincides with the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
According to a news release from the Department of Defense (DOD), President Biden is persistently urging Congress to approve military and humanitarian aid to bolster Ukraine's war efforts. Negotiations are currently underway on Capitol Hill.
Harris praised the people of Ukraine, saying, "It is thanks to the skill and bravery of the people of Ukraine and the support of the 50-nation coalition the United States has led, Kyiv stands free and strong." She noted that despite facing an adversary with an economy ten times larger than Ukraine's, a population three times greater, and a military once considered second-best globally, Ukraine has held its ground effectively.
The Senate recently approved a supplemental funding measure as stated in the release. This funding includes additional resources for Ukraine's security assistance, urgent support for Israel following Hamas terrorists' Oct. 7 attack, and humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The aid package also contains provisions to counteract attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups and protect vessels traversing the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks for U.S. Central Command. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
In her concluding remarks, Harris emphasized Russia's failure in this war due to collective strength. "Because of our collective strength, this war has been an utter failure for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," said Harris. She added that high stakes remain not only for Ukraine but also globally: "It is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue our support. International rules and norms are on the line, including the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity."
