Following Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities, US President Joe Biden on Monday pledged to give Ukraine cutting-edge air defence systems, the White House said in a statement.
The statement added that during his conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Biden "promised to continue providing Ukraine with the support needed to defend itself, including cutting-edge air defence systems."
More "severe" attacks against Ukraine have been threatened by Russian President Vladimir Putin after the deadliest wave of strikes in months left at least 11 people dead in retaliation for an explosion that destroyed a vital bridge connecting Russia to the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow has annexed.
After speaking with Biden, Zelensky tweeted that “air defence is currently the number 1 priority in our defence cooperation.”
Kyiv said Russian forces had fired more than 80 missiles on cities across the country and that Russia had also used Iranian drones launched from neighbouring Belarus.
Biden “conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured in these senseless attacks,” the White House said.
“He also underscored his ongoing engagement with allies and partners to continue imposing costs on Russia (and) holding Russia accountable for its war crimes and atrocities.”