Biden apologizes to Zelensky for delay in approving Ukraine aid package
US President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, France, on June 7. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP).
US President Joe Biden apologized to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for delays in approving a new military aid package earlier this year, which was delayed by Republican opposition in Congress.
Biden apologized when he announced a new aid package for Ukraine in a bilateral meeting with Zelensky this Friday.
“You know, you're not bowing down, you're not giving in, you're continuing to fight, simply extraordinary, simply extraordinary, we're not going to back down from you,” Biden told the Ukrainian president. .
“In terms of funding, I apologize for weeks of not knowing what was going to be passed. Because we had trouble passing a bill that had money from some of our conservative members, but we did it.”
Biden took the opportunity to highlight Friday's funding announcement and additional funding that has come to Ukraine since he signed it in April.
“Since then, including today, I have announced six significant funding packages; today I am signing an additional $225 million package to help you rebuild the power grid,” he said.
