Biden hails ‘heroic’ Kyiv victory, warns Putin ‘Western unity’ won’t crack

US President Joe Biden on Thursday called Ukraine’s recapture of the Kyiv region a heroic victory as he slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin for one of Europe’s bloodiest conflicts.

“The Battle of Kyiv was a historic victory for the Ukrainians. It was a victory for freedom won by the Ukrainian people with unprecedented assistance by the United States and our Allies and partners,” the 79-year-old wrote on Twitter.

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“The sustained and coordinated support of the international community — led and facilitated by the United States — is a significant reason why Ukraine has been able to stop Russia from taking over their country,” he added, highlighting the US’ role in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

“Every American taxpayer, every member of our Armed Forces can be proud of the fact that our country’s generosity — and the skill and service of our troops — helped arm Ukraine to repel Russia’s aggression,” Biden further said in a bid to assure taxpayers.

The US President went on to say that Russia and Putin are “banking on us losing interest,” but issued a warning to his Russian counterpart, saying, “He [Putin] is betting that Western unity will crack. Once again, we will prove him wrong.”

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Biden’s words came as the US announced another $800 million in military aid to Ukraine. Additionally, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced on Thursday that the US would double its direct non-military assistance to Ukraine, from $500 million to $1 billion.

Both the military aid and the non-military assistance are of tremendous importance to Ukraine, which requires firepower to match Russia’s superior military strength, as well as the infusion of funds to help its ravaged and ailing economy, which, according to World Bank estimates, has suffered more than $60 billion in damages since the Russian invasion began on February 24.