U.S. President Joe Biden told President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday that he looks forward to the day he can welcome the war-torn country to NATO, aiming to take the sting out of recent comments that now was not the time for Ukrainian membership in the military alliance. “Your resilience and your resolve has been a model for the whole world to see,” Biden told Zelenskiy ahead of a bilateral meeting. Follow along for updates on the summit of the NATO military alliance in Lithuania’s capital, as the Associated Press reported:
Biden: US is doing everything to help Ukraine
Newslooks- VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP)
U.S. President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday that the United States is “doing everything we can” to help Ukraine succeed in its fight against Russia, adding that he understands Zelenskyy’s frustration over NATO’s decision regarding membership for his country.
The presidents sat down together on the sidelines of the annual NATO summit in Lithuania after the U.S. and other world powers announced long-term security commitments for Ukraine.
Biden told Zelenskyy: “We’re going to make sure you get what you need.”
Biden said he understood the Ukrainian leader’s frustration at getting the help he needs quickly enough.
Biden said in the presence of reporters. “I look forward to the day when we’re having the meeting celebrating your official, official membership in NATO,” Biden said.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for billions of dollars in weapons and other support from the American people, despite his biting criticism of NATO a day earlier over not outlining a pathway to membership for his country.
The U.S. has said Ukraine should not be allowed to join NATO while it is at war, out of fear that membership would spark a global confrontation with Russia, which opposes Ukraine coming under NATO’s security umbrella.
Zelenskyy told Biden: “You gave us huge support and I want to thank all the Americans.”
Biden said Ukraine is paying a “hell of a price” but that the war is “bringing the world together.” He said U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been calling his counterparts around the world for help. Biden was asked by a reporter on Wednesday how soon after the war he would like Ukraine to join NATO, and responded “an hour and 20 minutes.”
Before he left the U.S. for the NATO trip, Biden said that he thought the time was not yet right for Ukraine to join the NATO alliance. If Ukraine were to become a member now, Biden said then, “we’re in a war with Russia.”
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What to know:
— NATO backs Ukraine’s fight vs. Russia but doesn’t invite Kyiv to join
— Sweden’s rocky road from neutrality toward NATO membership
— What is NATO doing to help Ukraine in the war with Russia?
