President Biden urgently calls for Congress to support Ukraine amid Russian strikes

• New wave of strikes in Ukraine-Russia war, worst since beginning.

• President Biden calling for Congress to pass more assistance for Ukraine.

• $60 billion in additional assistance requested.

U.S. President Biden speaks by phone with Russia's President Putin from Camp David in Maryland

Reuters

In a stunning escalation of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, a new wave of strikes by Russia on Ukraine has brought the war to its worst level since its inception. The world is once again witnessing the devastating consequences of this bitter conflict, prompting world leaders, including President Biden, to make urgent statements regarding the situation.

President Biden, currently on vacation, did not shy away from addressing this grave development. His statement emphasized that this latest series of missile strikes confirms that Russian President Vladimir Putin's objectives have remained unchanged since the invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago. President Biden expressed concern over the imminent danger faced by Ukraine and emphasized the need for continued assistance from the international community.

The president's urgent call to action was directed at Congress, urging lawmakers to pass additional assistance for Ukraine. The administration has requested nearly $60 billion in aid, which includes vital air defense systems and weapons crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. President Biden underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence, stating that failure to provide necessary aid would leave Ukraine vulnerably defenseless against future attacks.

Despite initial progress, discussions over the new assistance package have encountered obstacles due to ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies. As lawmakers left Washington without reaching a resolution, the fate of this much-needed aid remains uncertain. The exhaustion of the current authorization, which allowed for a $250 million drawdown, compounds the urgency for Congress to act swiftly upon their return.

The president's absence from the White House during this critical period is not an indication of complacency. His National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, remains actively engaged in crisis management. Sullivan's conversation with the Polish Secretary of State regarding a missile that entered Polish airspace highlights the gravity of the situation and the administration's commitment to addressing the crisis head-on.

As the international community grapples with the unfolding events, the president's statements aim to remind the American people of the significant role they have played in supporting Ukraine thus far. The American assistance, including Patriot missile batteries and other defense systems, has proven instrumental in saving lives during this conflict, including today. President Biden pleaded with Congress not to let down their allies and partners, insisting that future generations will harshly judge those who fail to answer the call for freedom.

The road ahead remains uncertain, with the fate of the aid package hanging in the balance. President Biden's message to Congress and his continued advocacy for Ukraine's defense serve as a stark reminder of the weighty consequences at stake. The world watches, hoping for swift resolutions and renewed commitments to safeguarding Ukraine's people, freedom, and independence.