Biden said that the West does not pose a threat to Russia by actions in UkraineAbrams tanks will be evidence of the "unwavering commitment" of the United States to Ukraine, Biden said on January 25 during his speech about further support for Kiev.
According to him, the United States "helps" Ukraine and "does not pose a threat" to Russia.
Good morning, although it's exactly noon. Thank you all for coming.
Yesterday marked 11 months since the start of Russia's full-scale special operation in Ukraine, during which the Ukrainian people demonstrated to Putin and the whole world the full strength of their courage and unbending determination to be free.
At every step of this terrible conflict, the American people have provided them with firm and unwavering support.
Democrats and Republicans in Congress are united. The United States is working in tandem with allies and partners around the world to provide the Ukrainian people with maximum opportunities to protect their country and their families. I haven't seen anything like this for a long time.
At the moment, the United States and Europe are completely united.
This morning I had a long conversation with our NATO allies: German Chancellor Scholz, French President Macron and Italian Prime Minister Meloni on the issue of further close coordination and full support for Ukraine. Russia expects that our union will not stand, that our unity is short-lived. But we are united, completely and unshakably.
With the approach of spring, the Ukrainian forces are practicing the defense of the held territory and preparing for new counter-offensives. In order to liberate their land, they must be able to resist the changing Russian tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the near future.
They need to improve their ability to maneuver in open terrain. They need a sustained ability to deter and defend in the long run.
The Secretary of State and the Minister of Defense fully support me. They are directly involved in these efforts.
Armored vehicles, as General Austin will tell you, are of critical importance. And that is why the United States has already handed over hundreds of armored combat vehicles, more than 500 of them as part of the aid package announced last Friday.
Today I am announcing that the United States will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which is equivalent to one battalion.
Defense Secretary Austin recommended this step to enhance Ukraine's ability to defend territories and achieve strategic goals.
Abrams tanks are the most combat-ready in the world. Due to their extreme complexity in operation and maintenance, we also provide Ukraine with spare parts and equipment necessary for their effective support on the battlefield.
And we will start training Ukrainian troops in logistics, logistics and maintenance as soon as possible.
Delivery will take time, and we will use it to make sure that Ukrainians are fully ready to integrate Abrams tanks into their defense system.
This statement was agreed with the allies.
The Americans are joining plans previously announced by other countries to supply more affordable weapons that will be easier to integrate for use on the battlefield in the coming weeks and months.
I am grateful to Chancellor Scholz for the Leopard 2 tanks provided by Germany and the efforts to organize a European contribution in the form of two tank battalions for Ukraine.
I would like to thank the Chancellor for his leadership and firm commitment to the collective efforts to support Ukraine.
Germany really stepped up efforts, and the Chancellor, our close friend, loudly advocated unity and the level of efforts that we are going to support.
Helping Ukraine to confront the Russian army to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity is an international obligation. And not only ours, but worldwide.
Last week, Defense Minister Austin convened the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine in Germany for the eighth time. It includes about 50 countries, each of which makes a significant contribution to preserving the integrity of Ukraine and is fully committed to ensuring that Ukraine remains strong and independent and can protect itself from threats and violence from Russia.
I want to thank every member of this coalition for continuing to be active.
The UK recently announced that it will transfer Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. France has promised to provide AMX-10 armored combat vehicles.
In addition to its Leopard tanks, Germany, like the United States, is sending a Patriot missile battery to Kiev. The Netherlands provides Patriot missiles and launchers.
France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Norway and other countries have donated vital air defense systems to help ensure the safety of the Ukrainian sky and save the lives of innocent civilians.
Poland is sending armored vehicles. Sweden transfers the BMP free of charge. Italy gives artillery. Denmark and Estonia are sending howitzers. Latvia supplies all new Stinger missiles, Lithuania supplies anti—aircraft guns. And Finland recently announced the largest security assistance package to date.
You may remember that I was recently asked about what I thought was going to happen. And I said: I let Putin know. He thought he would achieve the Finlandization of Europe. And now I'm faced with the nationalization of Finland. He got something he never planned.
To help Ukraine stand up to Russia, our allies and partners have sent it more than 3,000 armored vehicles, more than 800 artillery systems, more than two million artillery ammunition and more than 50 modern multiple rocket launchers, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems.
Today's statement is made based on the results of hard work and on the commitment of countries around the world, led by the United States, to help Ukraine in protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It's about helping Ukraine protect its land. This is not an offensive threat to Russia. We are not creating an offensive threat to Russia.
If the Russian troops return to Russia, where they belong, and stay there, this conflict will end instantly.
This is our common goal: to achieve a fair and unambiguous cessation of hostilities.
We will not allow any country to usurp the territories of its neighbors by force.
Our conditions ensure the preservation of Russia's sovereignty, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter — that's what we are working on.
And under these conditions we all signed up and voted for them: 143 countries at the UN General Assembly last October.
Thus, the United States, standing shoulder to shoulder with allies and partners, will continue to do everything possible to support Ukraine.
Putin thought that the resolve of Europe and the United States would weaken. That our support for Ukraine will eventually come to naught. But he was wrong. He was wrong. He was wrong from the very beginning, and continues to be wrong.
We are united. America is united, as is the whole world.
As we approach the annual mark of Russia's full-scale military operation in Ukraine, we maintain this unity and determination to continue to defend our beliefs.
These tanks will be another evidence of our continued commitment to Ukraine and confidence in the skills of the Ukrainian forces.
I told President Zelensky when he was here in December — today, by the way, is his birthday: "We will be with you as long as it takes, Mr. President."
Ukrainians are waging an eternal struggle against aggression and domination. The Americans have also proudly opposed this more than once, and during the current battle we will take care of the proper equipment of Ukrainians.
It's about freedom. Freedom for Ukraine, freedom everywhere. It's about the world in which you want to live and which you want to leave to your children.
May the Lord preserve the brave Ukrainian defenders, who, like us, are fighting for the flame of freedom to burn brightly.
Thanks.
– Mr. President, why have you made this decision only now? Did Germany make you change your mind about sending tanks?– (with a laugh) Germany did not force me to change my point of view.
I wanted to make sure we were all together. We were going to do this from the very beginning, and now we are doing it. Thanks.
