WASHINGTON — President Biden spoke with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, White House officials said, reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine as Russia’s invasion drags into its seventh month.
In a statement following the call, officials said that both leaders expressed concern about ongoing fighting around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power complex in Ukraine, which Russian forces have seized kept a few months ago. Shelling at the plant damaged power lines on Thursday, cut it off from Ukraine’s electricity grid for a short time and caused prolonged power outages in some areas.
The leaders called on Russia to return full control of the complex to Ukraine and give inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, access to the plant. The agency’s director, Rafael M. Grassi, intends to personally lead the inspection team and said on Thursday that the necessary agreement from both Ukraine and Russia could be available in the next few days.
Since the Russian invasion on February 24, the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $13 billion in security assistance.
Biden “congrats Ukraine on Independence Day and pays tribute to the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world as they defended the country’s sovereignty over the past six months,” the statement said. White said.
Asked by reporters if Mr. Biden would retain full confidence in Mr. Zelensky, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said the administration supported “Zelensky, the president, and the fight for victory.” his freedom”.
Mr Zelensky, who has repeatedly criticized Western allies for delivering aid too slowly to express his deep appreciation, said on Twitter that he had “a great conversation” with Mr. He thanked him for “the unwavering support of the United States to the Ukrainian people. “
“We discussed Ukraine’s next steps on the path to victory over the aggressor and the importance of holding Russia accountable for war crimes.” Mr. Zelensky said.
