Biden called Zelensky and announced a military aid package

U.S. President Joe Biden called his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, ahead of the American president's trip to Germany. This was reported by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a briefing, as cited by Voice of America.

"There will not be an opportunity for the presidents to meet in Europe, which is one of the reasons why Biden called Zelensky in advance", - the press secretary said.

Zelensky announced on social media that during the call, Biden unveiled a $425 million defense package that includes new air defense systems and long-range weapons.

"I am grateful to President Biden, both parties in Congress, and the American people for the announced $425 million defense package, which includes new air defense systems and long-range weapons. I proposed considering the development of joint weapons production. We also discussed the importance of additional training for Ukrainian soldiers", - Zelensky said.

Voice of America further detailed that the announced aid package includes additional air defense equipment, air-to-ground ammunition, armored vehicles, and critical ammunition.

"In the coming months, the U.S. will provide Ukraine with additional resources, including hundreds of missiles for air defense systems, dozens of tactical air defense systems, additional artillery systems, a significant amount of ammunition, hundreds of armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and thousands of armored vehicles", - the White House said on Wednesday, October 16.