[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 16th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he will provide an additional $800 million worth of military equipment, including drones and anti-tank missiles, to Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia.
In a national address that day, President Biden stated, "We will support them (Ukraine) as they fight for freedom and democracy," making the announcement.
The list of additional military equipment includes drones, helicopters, 800 Stinger missile systems, 9,000 anti-tank missile systems, and 7,000 small arms.
President Biden explained, "This new aid package will provide unprecedented support to Ukraine in itself," adding, "This support includes drones. It fulfills our promise to send cutting-edge weapons to defend Ukraine." He also said, "We are not doing this alone," and "The United States, along with allies and partners, will provide more support."
Accordingly, the total amount of support the U.S. has provided to Ukraine this week alone reaches $1 billion.
However, the announcement fell far short of the requests made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine and providing fighter jets. NATO countries, including the U.S., have expressed negative views on establishing a no-fly zone, fearing that Russia might interpret it as entering the war and that military conflict could escalate.
President Zelenskyy, ahead of President Biden’s speech, addressed the U.S. Congress via video call, appealing, "We must protect our skies," and "If this (establishing a no-fly zone) is too much, then as an alternative, please provide more aircraft and air defense systems." Toward the end of his speech, without an interpreter, he directly addressed President Biden in English, requesting him to "become a leader of the world. Being a leader of the world means being a leader of peace," urging him to take action.
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