Biden, Sunak declare "unwavering support" for Ukraine in Washington

CNN reported the information.

US President Joe Biden and his British counterpart, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during a meeting in Washington, DC, expressed their "unwavering support" for Ukraine and jointly condemned Moscow's "brutal aggression."

"The UK and the United States, together with more than 50 partners, have committed historic levels of security assistance to Ukraine. I want to thank the prime minister for his strong, strong leadership, contributing significant amounts of security assistance and training to Ukrainian troops so they can effectively use the equipment and ammunition we've collectively provided them," Biden said during a joint press conference at the White House.

Sunak said the UK was proud of its contributions to Ukraine's war effort, including tanks, long-range weapons and training for Kyiv's soldiers. But, he continued, it was the US leadership and resources that made the "decisive contribution" that allowed Ukraine to deter Russia's large-scale attack.

President Joe Biden added that he believes the US will have the funding necessary to support Ukraine against Russia for as long as it takes.

Biden, answering a journalist's question, said that he was confident in the continued funding, despite the fact that there is skepticism about the country's extent and duration of aid to Kyiv.

"The fact of the matter is, I ask people to picture what would happen if we were not supporting Ukraine. Do we think Russia would stop in Kyiv? Do you think that is all there would be happening? I think not, and I think the vast majority of my colleagues — even the critics — think that would not be the case, as well," he said.

The British Prime Minister promises to share the burden with the US.

Sunak noted that the UK is proud to be the second largest contributor to Ukraine's defense after the US.

"We're lucky to have America's investment in European security, but we need to share the burden alongside you, which is why defense spending in the UK has been above the 2% NATO benchmark," he continued.

He added that the countries "would encourage other countries to follow the lead that the US and the UK set, because our security is collective," Sunak said.

• The planned visit of Sunak to Washington was announced in late April. The main topics of discussion include the consequences of Brexit and providing assistance to Ukraine.