US Supporting Patriot: "Putin Has No Intention to End the War"... Preparing for Prolonged Conflict (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of ending this brutal war."

On the 21st (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a summit at the White House to discuss measures in response to the prolonged Ukraine war. President Zelensky, who visited a foreign country for the first time since the outbreak of the war, announced that the ‘Patriot missile system’ supported by the U.S. would greatly strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. He also emphasized that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory should not be compromised just for the sake of ‘peace.’

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

After about two hours of the summit in the afternoon, President Biden said at a joint press conference, "President Putin has no intention of ending the war," and "The U.S. will continue to support Ukraine as long as Russia’s invasion continues." He mentioned the background of Zelensky’s surprise visit to the U.S., saying, "As we enter the new year, I thought it was important for Americans and the world to hear directly about Ukraine’s struggle and the need for unity in 2023." Both leaders judged that it was time to respond to the prolonged war even at the cost of leaving the battlefield.

The U.S. government announced an additional military aid package worth $1.85 billion (about 2.3 trillion KRW) for Ukraine coinciding with President Zelensky’s visit. Notably, the Patriot missile, capable of intercepting missiles at long range, was included in the support for the first time. The Patriot missile, with a range of 70 to 80 km, can shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles at high altitudes and has been a continuously requested item by the Ukrainian government.

At the press conference, President Biden confirmed this additional support policy, emphasizing, "It will take some time to train, but the Patriot missile will be a key asset for Ukraine in defending against Russia’s invasion." He added, "Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure are expanding during the coldest and darkest time of the year," and condemned, "President Putin is trying to use winter as a weapon." He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment by saying, "The U.S. will stand with Ukraine every step of the way."

President Zelensky also expressed gratitude for the support package, including the Patriot missile. Wearing ‘wartime attire’ such as an olive-colored sweater and cargo pants at the White House, he said, "The strongest element of this package is the Patriot missile system, which can greatly strengthen our air defense capabilities," evaluating it as "a very important step in creating safe airspace for Ukraine." He also added, "It is the only way to prevent the terrorist state (Russia) from attacking Ukraine’s energy, civilians, and infrastructure."

When asked about ‘peace’ that day, President Zelensky responded, "As president, just peace is not a compromise on our country’s sovereignty, freedom, and territorial integrity, but retribution for all those harmed by Russia’s invasion." He also said, "I want to emphasize how many parents have lost their sons and daughters on the front lines." While saying, "The message I want to convey is peace," he added for this reason, "There is no such thing as just peace in any war." Separately, President Zelensky confirmed that specific discussions on peace measures took place during the meeting with President Biden that day.

President Zelensky’s visit to the U.S. came 300 days after Russia invaded Ukraine. This is also the first time since the war began that President Zelensky left the battlefield to visit a foreign country. After the summit, President Zelensky is scheduled to deliver a joint address to the U.S. Congress at around 7:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. Korean time). At this event, President Zelensky is expected to express gratitude for the U.S. support so far and again request continued support for Ukraine.