New weapons for Kiev – Zelenskyj’s visit: cheer in the US, anger in Moscow

For Ukraine, which is repeatedly exposed to Russian air strikes on its energy infrastructure, the US Patriot air defense system could mark a turning point in the war. It can even repel aircraft, drones and missiles at a greater distance. “This will significantly strengthen our anti-aircraft defenses,” Zelenskyy said. The US system will make Ukraine safer, the Ukrainian head of state stressed (see video above). The Ukrainian armed forces are also being trained by the United States in the use of the system.

Putin has already failed
The Patriot missile batteries are part of an additional $1.7 billion military aid package that Biden pledged on Wednesday. It also includes extra ammunition and essential equipment. The US would do “everything in our power” to ensure Zelenskyy’s success, Biden said at the White House. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already failed in Ukraine and will fail again, Biden said. Selenskyj is ready to “give his life for his country”.

Kremlin: “Provocative action”
Russia reacted furiously to the Ukrainian president’s visit to the US and his further military aid. Russia’s TASS news agency quoted Russia’s US ambassador as saying that Zelenskyy’s visit confirmed that US statements that they did not want conflict with Russia were empty words. The provocative actions of the US in Ukraine lead to an escalation the consequences of which cannot be imagined. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had previously said further Western arms transfers to Ukraine would lead to an “exacerbation” of the conflict.

Moscow accuses the West of prolonging the war by supplying weapons. Meanwhile, Russia is increasingly targeting Ukrainian cities with missiles – especially critical infrastructure. As a result, millions of Ukrainians are currently without electricity and running water during the freezing winter.

Putin dissatisfied with army
While Zelenskyy was in Washington, Putin expressed dissatisfaction with his army in Moscow. Russia has faced setbacks on the battlefield in recent weeks. Putin stated that the military should learn from the problems in Ukraine and reiterated that all military goals would be achieved. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the armed forces should grow by 350,000 to 1.5 million soldiers.

Zelenskyy, speaking before the US Congress, compared his country’s fight against Russia to the battles of the US military in World War II. “Like the brave American soldiers who held their lines at Christmas 1944 and repulsed Hitler’s forces, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same against Putin’s troops this Christmas.”

Free hand for Selenskyj in negotiations
During Zelensky’s visit, there were isolated demonstrations in front of the US Congress for a ceasefire, but talks between Russia and Ukraine are unlikely in the near future. Biden wants to give his Ukrainian counterpart a free hand to decide when to hold peace talks with Russia. “Now is the time to empower this president to make decisions about how to end the war,” Biden said.

If Zelensky is ready to negotiate with Russia, then he “will also be successful because he won on the battlefield.” Zelensky, on the other hand, again spoke out against territorial compromises. He proposes a global peace summit, which should be concerned with the establishment of territorial integrity and international order.