Biden: I Will Announce ‘A Series of Actions to Accelerate Support for Ukraine’s Military’

Biden: “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Welcome to Washington. Fellow leaders, friends, 900 — for 944 days, Putin has waged this vicious onslaught against Ukraine. For 944 days, Ukraine people have stood unwavering, unbroken, and unbowed. Today, we’re launching a joint declaration of support for Ukraine recovery and reconstruction to make it clear we stand with Ukraine now and in the future. That starts on the battlefield. I’m determined to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to prevail in its fight for its survival. Tomorrow, I will announce a series of actions to accelerate support for Ukraine’s military. But we know Ukraine’s future victory is about more than what happens on the battlefield. It’s also about what Ukrainians do to make the most of a free and independent future, which so many have sacrificed so much. With this declaration, over 30 countries and the European Union have made important commitments. First, as Ukraine continues to make necessary reforms to fight corruption, we’re committed to providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to build back stronger than it was before. Folks, it’s no secret Russian attacks have caused significant damage to Ukraine. And less well known is the story of Ukraine’s economic resilience. Ukraine’s GDP is stable and actually growing. Ukraine’s defense industry, forged in the fire, is six times larger than it was a year ago. Ukraine is now exporting almost as much grain as it did before the war, feeding people and the world once again. Ukraine’s economy is resilient, and together we can help Ukraine go from economic resilience to economic revival. Second, we commit to hold Russia accountable for the damage it has caused. This builds on a historic effort by the G7. Back in 2022, two days after Russia’s invasion, members of the G7 and the E.U. worked together to freeze $280 billion in Russian Central Bank funds outside of Russia. This summer, at the G7, the United States and our partners reached a decision to unlock $50 billion from the proceeds of those frozen assets to put that money to work for Ukraine as it rebuilds and recovers its economy. Today, we reaffirm that with all our respective countries and legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets will be immobilized until Russia ends its aggression and pays for the damage it’s caused. Finally, we’re committed to coordinate closely through efforts like the Ukraine Donor Platform so we can make sure that each dollar goes as far as possible, reinforcing one another instead of duplicating work. Let me close with this: This war has shown the Ukrainians can do anything they set their minds to. Today, we show the Ukrainians you’re not alone. You’re not alone in this fight. You’re not alone in the reconstruction that comes after. Ukrainian people have fought and died to win a future of freedom and independence. Mr. President, we all — we all stand by your side to help Ukraine make the most of it. Thank you all very much.” (Applause)