Biden says Congress must increase aid to Ukraine after massive Russian attacks

(Patria) - US President Joe Biden on Friday urged Congress to increase aid and overcome divisions over sending aid to Ukraine, saying a massive Russian air attack shows the Kremlin hopes to "wipe out" the pro-Western country, AFP reported.

"If Congress does not take urgent action in the new year, we will not be able to continue sending weapons and vital air defense systems that Ukraine needs to protect its people. Congress must step up and act without any further delay," Biden said.

The latest attack on Ukraine, which Kyiv estimates involved 158 missiles and drones for attacks, was "the largest air attack on Ukraine since the beginning of this war," Biden said.

The "brutal attack" included missiles with hypersonic capability, said the US president.

"It is a stark reminder to the world that, after nearly two years of this devastating war, Putin's goal (Russian President Vladimir) remains unchanged. He seeks to destroy Ukraine and subjugate its people. He must be stopped," Biden added.

Biden said Americans should be "proud" that US military aid has helped Ukraine fight for its "freedom and independence".

The stakes, he said, include the future of the NATO alliance and the security of Europe and the United States.

"When dictators and autocrats are allowed to behave unjustly in Europe, the risk of the United States being directly drawn in increases," he said.

Republicans in Congress are blocking the renewal of US military aid to Ukraine. The final delivery from previously approved funds, worth $250 million, was announced on Thursday.

Without congressional action, the future of US aid is now in question. The White House announced that Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke on Friday with his Polish counterpart Jacek Siewiera about reports that a Russian missile had passed through the airspace of NATO member Poland en route to bomb Ukraine.

"Mr. Sullivan expressed the United States' solidarity with Poland, our close NATO ally," the White House said.