The United States said it will continue its support, including by providing Russia with air defense systems and capabilities.
U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed America’s support for Ukraine following the Russian attack on the Military Communications Institute in the city of Poltava, which has resulted in 51 fatalities and 271 injuries according to the latest official count.
“Today, Russian missiles struck a military training center and a hospital in Ukraine, killing over 50 people and injuring dozens more. I condemn this deplorable attack in the strongest possible terms,” Biden stated in a communiqué.
Biden added that the United States will continue to support Ukraine, including providing air defense systems and the necessary capabilities to protect their country.
“This attack is a tragic reminder of Putin’s ongoing and outrageous attempts to break the will of a free people. But for two and a half years, the people of Ukraine have stood firm, and the United States will continue to support them, including providing the air defense systems and capabilities they need to protect their country,” he continued.
“Make no mistake: Russia will not win this war. The people of Ukraine will win. And on this tragic day, and every day, the United States stands with them,” he added.
On August 23, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine, including air defense capabilities, ammunition for missile and artillery systems, and anti-tank weapons.
However, according to Reuters, the United States is close to reaching an agreement to deliver long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine that could reach deep into Russia, but Kyiv may have to wait several months while Washington resolves technical issues before any delivery.
The inclusion of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) in a weapons package is expected to be announced this fall, although no official information has been released so far.
