Condemns Russia's Irrational Airstrike, President Biden Promises To Send Ukraine Advanced Air Defense System

JAKARTA - United States President Joe Biden has promised to send Ukraine advanced air defense systems, after condemning Russia's senseless airstrikes against Kyiv and other cities Monday.

This was conveyed by President Biden to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, shortly after dozens of people were killed and dozens more injured in the 'rain' of Russian cruise missiles ordered by President Vladimir Putin.

President Biden spoke by telephone with President Zelensky to provide assurances of continued US support, condemning Russia's "nonsensical attacks" on civilian targets.

"President Biden pledged to continue to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself, including advanced air defense systems," a White House statement said.

President Biden also told President Zelensky the United States and its allies and partners would continue to impose 'costs; on Russia.

"Hold Russia accountable for its war crimes and atrocities, and provide Ukraine with security, economic and humanitarian assistance," the White House said.

So far, the United States has provided more than $16.8 billion worth of security assistance since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. In addition, Washington also imposed various economic sanctions against Moscow for its actions in Ukraine.

Russia fired cruise missiles at cities across Ukraine during rush hour on Monday morning, killing civilians, causing power outages and heat, in what President Vladimir Putin declared in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks, including on a bridge to Crimea.

By mid-morning, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said Russia had fired 81 cruise missiles, and Ukrainian air defenses had shot down 43 of them. Police said at least five people were killed and 12 injured in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday's rush-hour attack was deliberately carried out to kill people and to cripple Ukraine's power grid.