Biden to Zelensky: Ukraine has U.S. support for "as long as it takes"

President Volodymyr Zelenksy visited Washington Wednesday, travelling abroad for the first time in the roughly 300 days since the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory began. In a visit that lasted only a few hours with the clear objective of bolstering U.S. support, the Ukrainian president met with Joe Biden at the White House and spoke before Congress. He will return home with a $1.85 billion military aid package, Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and a pledge of support "for as long as it takes."

The news of Zelensky's trip was made public on Tuesday night. The planning of the visit was kept secret for security reasons. He departed Kiev after midnight and landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland around noon. From there, he made his way to the White House, where he was greeted by the president and First Lady Jill Biden.

Sporting his usual military attire, Zelensky began his day by meeting privately with Biden in the Oval Office. Afterwards, the two held a joint press conference, where they announced the new military aid package to be provided by Washington.

Perhaps the most important promise was a symbolic one: the president pledged military support to Kiev with no expiration date: "You can count on the full support of this country for as long as it takes. Americans from all walks of life, Democrats and Republicans alike, understand deep down that Ukraine's struggle is part of something much bigger."

The Ukrainian president, who presented Biden with a military insignia for his support, said that the missiles will be essential to stop Vladimir Putin's invasion: "The Patriots will help us create a safe airspace; it will be the only way to stop the aggression of a terrorist state. We need to survive this winter."

In an offhand moment of the joint conference, a foreign journalist asked Zelensky if Ukraine could receive everything necessary to expel Russia from its territory. "His answer is yes," Biden interrupted. "I agree," the Ukrainian added, as many in the room burst out laughing.

According to the State Department, the security package also includes 500 precision-guided artillery rounds, 37 mine-resistant vehicles and 2,700 grenade launchers.

Ukraine is an "investment"

Met with a deafening applause by legislators from both parties, and with Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi behind him, Zelensky addressed the Senate floor. In a speech that lasted around 30 minutes, the president assured that U.S. support is an "investment" and made it clear that despite adversity, his people will celebrate Christmas.

"Your money is not charity, it is an investment in global security that we handle in the most responsible way," he emphasized, referring to the financial assistance. He added: "We have artillery, yes, thank you. Is it enough? No, honestly."

He claimed that Ukraine has had very important victories on the battlefield and that "the Russian tyranny has lost control" over its troops. "This victory should inspire the global community. It also belongs to the Americans" he closed.

Patriot missile capability

Volodymyr Zelensky will not return home empty-handed. As part of the announced aid package, the Ukrainian will bring back a Patriot defense system, the United States' most advanced surface-to-air (SAM) system. For strategic reasons, the number of units the regions where they will be installed were not disclosed.

The Patriot is a very sophisticated system to operate and maintain, so U.S. forces will have to train Ukrainian forces to use it. Due to its complexity, training could take several months.

Moreover, Congress, which has already approved $65 billion in assistance since the Russian invasion began, is debating disbursing another $45 billion by 2023. The latter amount is included in the budget currently being discussed by legislators, out of a total of $1.7 trillion.

Overwhelmingly, Congressional Democrats, in line with President Biden, support the new aid package. Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate minority leader has also expressed his support. The main obstacle is House Republicans, led by Kevin McCarthy, who are more skeptical of the idea of continuing to economically support Ukraine disproportionately more than the rest of the NATO countries.