America stands with Ukraine: State Dept reaffirms backing for air defense systems

This was stated on Tuesday during a press briefing in Washington by U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.

" What I do know is what the President has said and what the Secretary of State has said in a number of venues, is that we certainly – and we’ve been Ukraine’s biggest supporter and defender, literally – is that we want them to have surface-to-air missile protections, right," Tammy Bruce said when asked about the possibility of Ukraine purchasing air defense systems from the U.S.

She noted that she could not comment on the details of decisions regarding potential arms sales. However, Bruce pointed to ongoing discussions about the possible provision of U.S. air defense systems through European partners.

"There’s a number of different negotiations and aspects involved in this kind of dynamic that does not involve the State Department. It’s about munitions and purchasing and all of that. What I do know is that we are doing and continue to wish to do as much as we can. That is not disputed," Bruce said.

The State Department Spokesperson referred to Ukrainians as "great friends" of the U.S., who are bravely and fearlessly defending their country.

“I had the pleasure of being in a bilat with Ukrainian delegation recently here, and they are astounding people, and they’re remarkable, and they are committed to getting their country safe and this war to end. And so are we. The United States has proven that,” she emphasized.

At the same time, she stressed that the goal of the United States is to ensure the war comes to an end, “and we continue to focus on that.”

As reported by Ukrinform, last Saturday President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is still waiting for a response from the United States regarding its offer to purchase air defense systems.