Biden and Zelensky to meet in France, focus on Ukraine aid

As confirmed on Tuesday by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden will meet with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to France.

Sullivan announced the meeting between Biden and Zelensky during a briefing on board the presidential plane, Air Force One, en route to Paris. Zelensky and Biden will participate on Thursday in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. Sullivan declined to disclose when and where the meeting will take place.

However, he mentioned that the USA is focused on providing Ukraine with weapons, particularly components of the air defense system. He also ruled out sending military instructors to Ukraine.

Biden's advisor noted that although Ukraine found itself in a difficult position due to a several-month halt in American arms deliveries, it is now recuperating thanks to the resumption of supplies. He highlighted that Ukraine has strengthened its positions around Kharkiv and in Donbas.

Discussing planned talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Sullivan stated that the USA would push the issue of using primarily frozen Russian assets in Europe to aid Ukraine. This topic is expected to be the main focus of discussions at the upcoming G7 leaders' summit in Apulia, Italy.

Sullivan also addressed Israel's proposal for a ceasefire and potential permanent end to fighting in Gaza. Despite conflicting statements from various Israeli politicians, he emphasized that the significant point is that the Israeli authorities have made a formal and written proposal. He added that Washington is still awaiting a formal response from Hamas on this matter, and CIA Director Bill Burns has been sent to Qatar, which mediates contacts with Hamas.