Standing with Zelensky, Biden Promises Blank Check

President Biden this week pledged to stand with Ukraine for “as long as it takes” during a press conference while standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He also vowed to help Kyiv win on the battlefield before any peace talks could happen with Moscow. 

Biden’s remarks came in the midst of an unprecedented visit to Washington from the Ukrainian leader. Biden’s pledge indicated that all levels of American aid must continue for an undetermined amount of time in the future. 

“We’re going to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield — if and when President Zelensky is ready to talk to the Russians, he will be able to succeed as well because he will have won on the battlefield,” Biden said.

Zelensky added his agreement with Biden’s words saying that a “just peace” for Ukraine is about ensuring all of the country’s territory was liberated.

“For me, as a president, just peace is no compromises as to the sovereignty, freedom, territorial integrity of my country, payback for all the damages inflicted by Russian aggression,” Zelensky said.

This wartime press conference from the two leaders came while Biden’s latest assistance to Ukraine was released. America is giving an additional $2 billion in security and humanitarian aid. The package includes a Patriot missile battery, an advanced air defense system, and electricity infrastructure.

“Russia is using winter as a weapon,” Biden said that Putin is freezing people and starving people, and it was the latest example of “outrageous atrocities” committed by the Russians. 

The Ukrainian president will also address a joint meeting of Congress this week. He spoke directly to concerns that Republicans have regarding unrestricted assistance to Ukraine. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.), has promised no “blank check” for Ukraine, in responding to calls for more oversight, which other Republicans have echoed.

Biden just basically promised that “blank check.”