President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine today to congratulate him on Ukraine’s Independence Day and commemorate eighteen months since Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
August 24, 2023
President Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression for as long as it takes, and to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
President Biden and President Zelenskyy discussed the commencement of training of Ukrainian fighter pilots and assurance of expedited approval for other nations to transfer their F-16s to Ukraine upon completion of training to increase Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
On behalf of the American people, President Biden expressed his admiration for the bravery and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom and their secure future.