Putin’s objective remains unchanged: Biden addresses US Congress after massive attack on Ukraine

This is reported by CNN.

Biden emphasized that this was the largest attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war.

“It is a stark reminder to the world that, after nearly two years of this devastating war, Putin’s objective remains unchanged. He seeks to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people. He must be stopped,” Biden said.

Separately, the American leader addressed the US Congress and noted that the US air defense systems that Ukraine received intercepted many Russian UAVs and missiles.

“The American people can be proud of the lives we have helped to save and the support we have given Ukraine as it defends its people, its freedom, and its independence,” he wrote. “But unless Congress takes urgent action in the new year, we will not be able to continue sending the weapons and vital air defense systems Ukraine needs to protect its people.”

What is known about the US Congress vote for additional aid to Ukraine

On December 4, the White House said that without a congressional decision, the administration would run out of money to provide weapons to Ukraine to fight Russia by the end of 2023.

After that, the Congress issued an ultimatum to US President Joe Biden regarding assistance to Ukraine: House Speaker Mike Johnson threatened to withdraw support for funding for Kyiv unless the White House agreed to strengthen border security.

On December 6, US President Joe Biden addressed the Congress and called for the defense of freedom and to ensure that Russia does not take over Ukraine. Despite this, the Senate fails a procedural vote to begin work on a bill to provide USD 106 billion in emergency aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

On December 8, it became known that the US administration was considering including funding for anti-migration measures in the south of the country in the bill on aid to Ukraine and Israel to ensure a Republican vote in Congress.

On December 15, the White House drew attention to Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements about his intentions in Ukraine and urged Congress not to delay the approval of new aid for Ukraine.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announces that the US Senate has postponed its Christmas recess and will vote on the aid package again.

On December 21, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said that the administration hopes to approve aid to Ukraine in early January, when Congress returns to work after the Christmas recess.