Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the new American defense package in his evening address on Sept. 24 as "historic."
President Zelensky stated that the new package will include "artillery, missiles for HIMARS, missiles for air defense, additional air defense systems, tactical vehicles," and more.
"This is a historic decision by America to jointly produce weapons and defense systems, including air defense. This is something that was an absolute fantasy until recently. But it will become a reality. We will make it a reality."
Earlier this week, Zelensky met U.S. President Joe Biden in the White House as part of his official visit to Washington, D.C. During the stay of Ukraine's president in the U.S. capital, State Secretary Antony Blinken announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $325 million.
The new package included additional cluster munitions and air defenses, but excluded the long-anticipated ATACMS missiles. However, NBC News reported that President Biden told the Ukrainian leader that America would send a small number of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian President's address also emphasized a newly established deal between Ukraine and the Government of Canada for long-term defense support.
Sam Sokol
(Updated: )
