Biden said that Russia's latest strike against Ukraine is a cruel reminder that Russia's Putin is determined to destroy Ukraine - "he must be stopped".
Brewed 31 dead and more than 160 injured.
Russia launched the largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine on Friday (December 29) since the start of the war, killing at least 31 civilians, injuring more than 160 others and damaging cities and infrastructure across Ukraine.
Biden, who is on vacation on St. Croix, issued a statement: "This is a grim reminder to the world that Putin's goals have not changed after nearly two years of this devastating war." He wants to destroy Ukraine and subjugate the Ukrainian people. He must be stopped from doing so. ”
Biden said Ukraine had successfully intercepted and destroyed many missiles and drones launched by Russia with air defense systems provided by the United States and its allies and partners, and he urged the U.S. Congress to approve continued military assistance to Ukraine.
"Unless our Congress takes urgent action in the new year, we will not be able to continue to provide Ukraine with the ** and vital air defense systems it needs to protect its people," he said. Congress must do so immediately. ”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on the 27th that the United States will provide Ukraine with US$250 million (about S$329.84 million) of ** and equipment, including anti-aircraft ammunition and artillery ammunition. Blinken said this is the last U.S. military aid package for Ukraine in 2023.
The United States** is continuing to call on Congress to approve an additional $61 billion package for Ukraine.
Republicans have made it clear that they will not approve Biden's proposed plan for more aid to Ukraine unless the Democrats agree to strengthen security at the U.S.-Mexico border. The White House has previously warned that U.S. funding to assist Ukraine in retaking Russian-occupied territories will run out by the end of 2023 if Congress does not provide additional appropriations.
Russia launched its largest attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities since the start of the war in February 2022 after Ukraine attacked a Russian ship in Crimea. Ukraine**Zelensky said that the Russian army launched about 110 missiles, most of which were shot down by the Ukrainian side. The Ukrainian military said that the Russian army launched 158 missiles and drones, and the Ukrainian air defense system shot down 27 drones and 87 cruise missiles.
Ukraine*** said that the large-scale attack of the Russian army shows that Kyiv and Moscow cannot negotiate a truce. "Russia will not consider any other scenario than the complete destruction of Ukraine. ”