«The United States will continue to stand with the brave people of Ukraine. It’s not just an investment in Ukraine’s future. But in a future where the entire world respects the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The United States’ commitment to Ukraine will not weaken. Putin may still wrongly believe that he can outlast Ukraine. Putin may doubt our staying power. He’s wrong. We will stand for liberty and freedom today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.» – President Joe Biden.

 

«And earlier this week at the U.N. General Assembly, I made it clear that — that no nation can be truly secure in the world if, in fact, we don’t stand up and defend the freedom of Ukraine from facing this Russian brutality and aggression.

 

That’s why we brought together a coalition of more than 50 countries — more than 50 countries to help Ukraine defend itself, and it’s critical.

 

And that’s why, together with our partners in Ukraine, we have provided humanitarian aid as well as tens of millions of people with food, clean water, and so much more.

 

And that’s why — that’s why we’ve begun the process of formalizing our long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security, alongside the G7 and with other partners.

 

And that’s why we support a just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and its territorial integrity.

 

Mr. President, the brave people of Ukraine — and that’s not hyperbole; the people of Ukraine have shown enormous bravery — enormous bravery — have inspired the world — literally inspired the world with their determination to defend these principles.

 

And together with our partners and allies, the American people are determined to see to it that we do all we can to ensure the world stands with you, and that is our overwhelming objective right now.

575 days. It’s been 575 days since Putin launched his brutal war of conquest against Ukraine.

 

Putin thought he would break Ukraine. He thought he could break you. He had underestimated the consequence of taking on Ukrainian people. From your children to your grandparents, I’ve never seen so much courage exhibited by civilians. It really is amazing. It’s amazing.

 

And — and he also thought he could break the Western alliance and NATO in the support of you. And he also thought that he’d break the will of nations around the world. Many more have stood with Ukraine — who still stand with Ukraine.

 

Well, he was wrong. He continues to be wrong. Ukraine is unbroken, unbowed, and unconquered, proving that nothing can dim the flame of liberty that burns in the heart of free people.

 

And, Mr. President, the American people — Democrats and Republicans alike, families all across our nation — understand what Ukraine is fighting to defend, what generations of Americans have also stepped up to protect and preserve. It’s pretty basic: freedom, liberty, and sovereignty.

And as I made clear at the U.N. this week — and you were there — the entire world has a stake in making sure that no nation, no aggressor is allowed to take a neighbor’s territory by force.

 

The American people will never waver in our commitment to those values.

 

That’s why, together with our allies and partners, we will continue to provide security assistance to support Ukraine’s progress in reclaiming its territory. And we’ll continue to provide humanitarian aid to help millions of innocents suffering from your — Russia’s aggression. And what they’ve done to your children is just — it’s criminal.

 

And we’re going to continue to support Ukraine’s diplomatic effort to deliver a just and lasting peace — a peace that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

Russia alone — Russia alone stands in the way of peace. It could end this today.

 

Instead, Russia is seeking more weapons from Iran and North Korea. It would violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions that Moscow itself voted to put in place.

 

Instead, as the threat of famine still stalks families around the globe, Russia is bombing grain silos in Ukraine and separating families, kidnapping — this is what I can’t get over — kidnapping thousands of Ukrainian children.

 

Instead, with the days beginning to turn colder, Russia hopes to once more use winter as a weapon against the people of Ukraine. But as I discussed with President Zelenskyy, the people of Ukraine are steeled for this struggle ahead. And the United States is going to continue to stand with you.

Today, I approved the next tranche of U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, including more artillery, more ammunition, more anti-tank weapons. And next week, the first U.S. Abrams tanks will be delivered to Ukraine.

 

We also focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to protect the critical infrastructure that provides heat and light during the coldest and darkest days of the year. That includes providing a second HAWK air defense battery with steady deliveries of additional HAWK and other systems each month through the winter. And a new package of launchers and interceptors that’s going to protect Ukraine — Ukraine’s grain silos, hospitals, schools, and power plants.

That will help save Ukrainian lives.

 

Just as we are committed to helping the Ukrainian people defend themselves now, we’re also committed to helping them recover and rebuild for the future, including supporting reforms that are going to combat corruption, creating an environment where businesses can thrive and where American and European businesses want to invest.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, last week I announced the appointment of Penny Pritzker as our new Special Representative. Penny, thank you for being willing to come back in. Of you — she’s the — going to be the Special Representative for Ukraine Economic Recovery to help Ukraine reopen markets, mobilize investments, and make the necessary economic reforms that are needed.

 

And together with 29 other partners — partners — partners, partners, and their partners — we’re committed to help Ukraine build a force capable of ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security — capable of deterring future threats against its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom, which are underway now.

 

Because that’s what this is all about: the future. The future of freedom. America can never, will never walk away from that.

 

That’s why, 575 days later, we stand with Ukraine and we’ll continue to stand with you, Mr. President. And that’s why we’re so proud of being able to be with you.

 

Mr. President, we’re — we’re with you, and we’re staying with you.»