Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the Biden-Harris administration, U.S. Congress, and the American people for their extensive support during Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. "Dear Mr. Secretary Blinken, dear colleagues, first of all, I would like to thank the Biden-Harris administration, U.S. Congress, all U.S. people for such strong support of my country during these dark times of our history," Shmyhal stated.
Shmyhal highlighted key areas where U.S. assistance has been crucial, including military aid, financial support, and humanitarian efforts. He emphasized the importance of air defense systems provided by the United States and acknowledged the additional Patriot complexes and air defense missiles received.
"We are grateful for additional complexes, Patriot complexes, additional air defense missiles," Shmyhal said. He also discussed concerns regarding energy security as Ukraine anticipates further attacks on its civilian infrastructure by Russian forces in the upcoming winter months. The Prime Minister thanked the U.S. for supplying essential equipment such as generators and transformers to bolster Ukraine's energy resilience.
Financially, Shmyhal noted that Ukraine had received a significant tranche of $4 billion from the United States to help cover its budget deficit. He mentioned ongoing reforms in customs and other areas as part of Ukraine's commitment to economic stability and cooperation with international partners like the IMF.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken reaffirmed U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine through immediate challenges posed by Russian aggression and ensuring long-term stability for Ukraine militarily, economically, and democratically.
"Prime Minister, thank you very much as always," Blinken responded. "I think you’ve seen again the determination on the part of the United States but also...a shared determination along with many other countries to continue to strongly support Ukraine."
Blinken emphasized that collaborative efforts aim not only at addressing current threats but also at helping Ukraine emerge as a strong independent nation integrated with Euro-Atlantic institutions such as NATO and the European Union.
"So I think the program we have together...is one for the immediate needs but also for Ukraine’s future – the future that Ukrainian people so clearly want," Blinken concluded.
