Helping Ukraine succeed vital for U.S. interests - Biden

Having Ukraine succeed in the war with Russia and Israel – in the conflict with Hamas is critical for the U.S. national security.

U.S. President Joe Biden said this in a special address to the nation on Thursday, Ukrinform reports.

“I know these conflicts (in Ukraine and Israel - ed.) can seem far away. So why does this matter to America? Let me share with you why making sure Israel and Ukraine succeed is vital for the U.S. national security,” Biden said.

According to the U.S. leader, the attack on Israel reminded “of almost 20 months of war, grief and cruelty that the people of Ukraine undergo.”

“History has taught us that when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror, when dictators don’t pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos, deaths, and more destruction. They keep going. The cost to America and the word will keep rising. If we don’t stop Putin's appetite for power and control of Ukraine, he won’t limit himself just to Ukraine,” the U.S. president said.

He assured that "we have not forgotten mass graves, the bodies bearing signs of torture, rape used as a weapon by the Russians, and thousands and thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly taken from their parents to Russia."

Biden also explained that the military assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine contributes to the U.S. economy. “We send Ukraine equipment sitting in our stockpiles. And when we use the money allocated by Congress, we use it to replenish our own stores, our own stockpiles with new equipment – equipment that defends America and is made in America. Missiles for air defense batteries made in Arizona, artillery shells manufactured in 12 counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and so much more” the president said.

He added that “just as in World War 2, today patriotic Americans are building the arsenal of democracy and serving the cause of freedom.”

According to Ukrinform, in his address to the nation, Joe Biden also promised to send to Congress on Friday an Urgent Budget Request, which will lay down considerable funds to support Ukraine and Israel's defense capabilities. Media reports claimed that the defense package for Ukraine would total nearly $60 billion.