Zelensky Praises US Patriot Missile Assistance, Joe Biden Says Support For Ukraine Always Exists As Long As NEEDed

President Volodymyr Zelensky with President Joe Biden. (Twitter/@POTUS)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States for the Patriot missile defense system which he described as a "very important step" when he was received by President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday.

"(Patriots) significantly strengthen our country's air defenses," President Zelensky said.

The Patriot missile system is considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the United States.

He said Ukraine had a clear understanding of how its defense capabilities would be strengthened in the coming months, but said he could not provide details.

Meanwhile, President Biden said Washington DC support for Ukraine would last as long as necessary, when announcing a new military aid package for Kyiv worth USD 1.85 billion or approximately IDR 28.750.665 million for Ukraine, including the transfer of Patriot Air Defense Systems.

"The US-supplied patriot missile defense system to Ukraine will be an important asset for Ukraine, but training may take time," President Biden said.

As previously reported, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the aid included a $1 billion withdrawal to give Ukraine "extended air defenses and precision attack capabilities". As well as US$850 million in security assistance.

"Today's aid for the first time includes Patriot Air Defense Systems, which are capable of dropping cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles and aircraft, at much higher altitudes than previously provided air defense systems," Foreign Minister Blinken said in a statement released by the State Department., as quoted by Reuters.

As previously reported, Russia last week said the US plan to supply Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine was a provocation and further expansion of US military involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

The Kremlin has said that if sent, the US Patriot missile defense system would be a legitimate target for Russia's attack on Ukraine.