Joe Biden has publicly apologized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the delay in US military assistance, which allowed Russia to make battlefield gains, and also announced an additional $225 million in aid to the war-torn country. Biden met his Ukrainian counterpart during the D-Day commemoration ceremony in Paris where he lauded the latter’s resilience and assured him continued American support.
This comes as Ukrainian strikes on Russian-held Luhansk and Kherson regions killed 26 people and injured dozens, according to Russian-installed authorities. In Kherson, a Himars missile struck a shop, killing 22 and injuring 15. In Luhansk, a missile strike on an apartment block killed four and wounded over 40.
Biden, Macron mark 80th anniversary of D-Day
Biden and Emmanuel Macron marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy with a strong message of support for Ukraine. Biden emphasized that surrendering to dictators is unthinkable, while Macron condemned pacifists and pledged continued resistance against Russian aggression.
What’s happening in Ukraine?
As the war with Russia continues, the Ukrainian government has ordered citizens to halt air conditioning and external lighting to conserve electricity amid long blackouts caused by Russian bombardments. The Ukrainian prime minister highlighted a significant power deficit following strikes on the power system.
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia does not need to use nuclear weapons to secure victory in Ukraine, signalling that the conflict will not escalate into nuclear war. He emphasized that nuclear weapons would only be used in an exceptional case threatening Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In Paris, Zelenskiy asserted his legitimacy is recognized by the Ukrainian people, contrasting it with Putin’s self-recognition. Putin has previously claimed Zelenskiy’s illegitimacy due to the postponement of Ukrainian presidential elections under martial law.
Additionally, a Moscow court has ordered a French citizen, Laurent Vinatier, accused of collecting information on military issues in Russia, to be held in jail pending investigation and trial. This development comes amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Paris.
