Zelenskyy presented Biden with an award that he said was handed to him on the ground by a "real hero" - a captain on the ground of a HIMARS rocket system that has been a game-changer on the field.
"He's very brave and he said, give it to very brave president," Zelenskyy said in the Oval Office.
As Zelenskyy arrived, the United States announced another US$1.85 billion from previously budgeted funds for Ukraine, including for the first time the advanced Patriot air defence system, which is capable of shooting down cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles.
Zelenskyy voiced appreciation for the "very important step," saying the Patriot systems "will strengthen our air defence significantly".
Ukraine fears a rising onslaught of missiles and has faced a slew of attacks from drones, many bought by Russia from Iran, as Moscow pummels power plants and other civilian infrastructure just as the country shivers in the winter cold.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is "trying to use winter as a weapon, but the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world," Biden said.
"I mean that sincerely - not just inspire us but inspire the world with their courage and how they have chosen their resilience and resolve for their future," Biden said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that new weapons deliveries would lead to an "aggravation of the conflict" and do not "bode well for Ukraine".
Speaking with senior military officials during a televised address, Putin contended that Moscow was not to blame for the invasion and agreed with an assessment that Russia needed a larger army.
"The combat capabilities of our armed forces are increasing constantly," Putin said, adding that Russia will also "improve the combat readiness of our nuclear triad."
"What is happening is, of course, a tragedy - our shared tragedy. But it is not the result of our policy. It is the result of the policy of third countries," he added.
"JUST PEACE"
The United States and Ukraine scoff at suggestions that the invasion was caused by anything other than Putin and say he is not serious about any negotiated settlement.
Both Biden and Zelenskyy said they supported a "just peace" - with the Ukrainian leader standing firm that he will not be any territorial compromise with Russia, which also seized the Crimean peninsula in 2014.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiamh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vd29ybGQvYmlkZW4tdGVsbHMtemVsZW5za3l5LXdoaXRlLWhvdXNlLXlvdS13aWxsLW5ldmVyLXN0YW5kLWFsb25lLTMxNTk2NjbSAQA?oc=5
2022-12-21 20:27:00Z
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