Biden urges press to be quiet, promises $200M extra for Ukraine to Zelenskyy
Biden Yells at Press to ‘Hush Up a Second,’ Tells Zelenskyy He’s Got $200 Million More for Ukraine
After scolding the media into silence, President Joe Biden revealed Tuesday that the United States is shipping another $200 million in military aid to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a trip to Washington on Tuesday in an attempt to convince a reluctant Congress to continue aid that Zelenskyy said is critical to help Ukraine stave off Russian invaders.
Biden announced the aid during an Oval Office photo op with Zelenskyy.
“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Hush up a second, OK?” Biden exclaimed in a video of the photo op after Zelenskyy finished reading from a prepared statement.
“I got one more thing to say. I’ve just signed another $200 million drawdown from the Department of Defense for Ukraine, and that’ll be coming quickly.”
The announcement prompted a flurry of questions from the media.
Biden said nothing but cracked a grin and laughed until the media was ushered out of the photo op.
According to Fox News, the hardware heading to Ukraine includes ammunition for “the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, high-speed anti-radiation missiles, anti-armor systems, artillery rounds, missiles, demolition munitions, 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition, generators and other equipment and spare parts,” an unnamed official said.
Biden has proposed a $110 billion aid package that includes more than $50 billion in aid for Ukraine. The package is stalled in Congress, where Republicans, with the support of some Democrats, are calling for policy changes to reduce the flood of illegal immigrants swamping the southern border as a precondition for any approval of aid to Ukraine.
At a news conference Tuesday, Biden castigated that concept.
“Holding Ukraine funding hostage in an attempt to force through an extreme, Republican, partisan agenda is not how it works,” he said, according to The New York Times. “We need real solutions.”
He also sought to portray Republican opposition to his proposal as support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying, “Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine.”
During the news conference, Zelenskyy said Russia has “failed thus far in wiping Ukraine from the map” and indicated he is aware Ukraine must demonstrate battlefield success.
He said talks with Republican leaders in Congress “were more than positive, but we know we need to separate words from results.”
Asked if Ukraine would give up territory in a compromise to end the war, Zelenskyy replied, “That is insane, to be honest.”
As the news conference took place, Senate negotiators were trying to find a way forward on the aid package Biden has proposed.
“We made substantive progress,” said Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who was elected as a Democrat but is now an independent who caucuses with Democrats.
The post Biden Yells at Press to ‘Hush Up a Second,’ Tells Zelenskyy He’s Got $200 Million More for Ukraine appeared first on The Western Journal.
What was the reason for President Biden’s interruption during the Oval Office photo op with President Zelenskyy?
Nce earlier this week, President Biden found himself in a rather tense situation with the press. While in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden interrupted the event to announce an additional $200 million in military aid to Ukraine. The move comes as Ukraine faces ongoing tensions with Russia and seeks support from the international community.
Biden’s interruption and impromptu announcement were captured on video during the Oval Office photo op. As Zelenskyy concluded his prepared statement, Biden, unable to contain his excitement, exclaimed, “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Hush up a second, OK?” This unexpected outburst momentarily silenced the room as the President gathered his thoughts.
After regaining composure, Biden continued, “I’ve just signed another $200 million drawdown from the Department of Defense for Ukraine, and that’ll be coming quickly.” The announcement sparked a flurry of questions from the media in attendance. However, Biden opted to remain tight-lipped, choosing instead to smile and chuckle until the press was ushered out of the photo op.
According to a report from Fox News, the military aid package heading to Ukraine includes a wide range of ammunition and equipment. Among the items mentioned are high-mobility artillery rocket systems, high-speed anti-radiation missiles, anti-armor systems, artillery rounds, missiles, demolition munitions, 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition, generators, and various equipment and spare parts.
This pledge to Ukraine is not an isolated incident. As part of a proposed $110 billion aid package, Biden has allocated over $50 billion specifically for Ukraine. However, the package is currently facing hurdles in Congress. Republicans, with some support from Democrats, are insisting on policy changes to address the ongoing immigration crisis at the southern border as a prerequisite for approving aid to Ukraine.
The decision to increase military aid to Ukraine is a significant one. It signals not only America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia but also Biden’s determination to take a tough stance against Russia’s aggression. The move also underlines the importance of international alliances and partnerships in addressing global security challenges.
While the interruption during the photo op may have seemed unorthodox, it is clear that President Biden’s intentions were genuine. His enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine was palpable. As tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia, it remains to be seen how the additional aid will shape the region’s geopolitical landscape. However, one thing is certain – the United States’ commitment to supporting its allies in times of need remains unwavering.
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