PM Shmyhal, U.S. ambassador talk strengthening air defenses, systemic financing of Ukraine
The head of government reported this on X, Ukrinform saw.
"We are working with partners to strengthen Ukraine's resilience. I had a productive meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink," Shmyhal noted.
In a Telegram posting, the prime minister recalled that in December, Russia resumed massive missile strikes on Ukraine. "We are making joint efforts to strengthen the Ukrainian skies with modern American air defense systems," Shmyhal said.
The head of the government thanked the Joe Biden administration and Congress for the systematic work to ensure that the security assistance package for Ukraine was adopted as soon as possible.
"We discussed joint work under the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform, which was established to ensure systemic funding for #Ukraine. Despite the war, we are carrying out all the necessary reforms to increase the strength and capacity of our state. I thanked 🇺🇸 for its military, financial and humanitarian support," Shmyhal wrote on X.
He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. government and the American people for systematic military, financial, and humanitarian support.
Republican and Democratic leaders in the U.S. Congress have reportedly reached an agreement on a $1.59 trillion spending cap in 2024, bringing the parties closer to avoiding a government shutdown, but not completely ruling it out.
Last November, both houses passed a resolution to avoid shutdown through continued funding for government agencies on a two-phase basis. This provided that part of the departments and agencies would receive funds by January 19, and the rest by February 2.
Meanwhile, in parallel lines, discussions are ongoing in Congress regarding President Biden's request for supplemental national security funding, which includes, among other things, more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. It is expected that the issue will also be put on top agenda once Congress goes into session.
Photo: Denys Shmyhal's Telegram channel
