Biden announces "historic" air defence system donation to Ukraine

During a ceremony marking NATO's 75th anniversary at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, US President Joe Biden announced a significant initiative to provide Ukraine with a strategic and tactical air defence system of "historic" importance.

Biden highlighted NATO's strengthened readiness, noting that 23 member states have committed to allocating 2 per cent of their GDP to defence this year, marking substantial progress in alliance capabilities, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

He emphasized NATO's collective resolve, stating, "We are stronger than ever."

Expressing concern over Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions, Biden affirmed that Ukraine has the support necessary to defend itself. "Today, I am pleased to announce a historic donation for Ukraine's air defence," Biden declared.  "The United States, along with Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy, will provide Ukraine with equipment for five additional strategic air defence systems. In the coming months, our nations will also deliver dozens of tactical air defence systems."

Biden underscored the human toll of the conflict, noting the significant casualties among Ukrainian servicemen and the impact on Russian youth seeking a better future elsewhere.

According to him, "more than 350,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been killed in this war and more than 1 million have been wounded".

During the ceremony, Biden presented NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, attributing much of NATO's progress to Stoltenberg's leadership.