Zelensky Acknowledges Fall of Bakhmut... Biden Pledges "All Support" to Ukraine

F-16 Support Underway... UK Sunak "Air Force Support, Pilot Training to Start This Summer"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the 21st (local time) effectively acknowledged that the fiercest battleground, Bakhmut, has fallen to Russia.

He reaffirmed the will to resist with support from the United States and other Western countries. U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed the policy of continued support, stating that an additional military aid package for Ukraine is being prepared.

AFP and major foreign media reported that President Zelensky attended the final day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, and said, "Bakhmut has been destroyed, and there is almost nothing left," adding, "For now, Bakhmut will remain in our hearts today."

When asked whether Bakhmut is currently under Ukrainian control, he replied, "No."

This is interpreted as Ukraine effectively acknowledging Russia's unilateral announcement of capturing Bakhmut the previous day.

However, President Zelensky expressed gratitude to President Biden, saying, "We appreciate the support from the United States and also thank you for providing training that enables us to establish a stronger posture on the battlefield."

Ukraine has been requesting new fighter jets such as F-16s from Western countries, and the previously lukewarm Western nations have recently shifted to support through the United Nations. President Biden approved U.S.-made F-16 pilot training for Ukrainian pilots.

On the same day, President Biden, who met with President Zelensky, said, "We are doing everything possible to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities," and added, "We will soon announce the next phase of military support for Ukraine."

President Biden explained that this military package would include ammunition and armored vehicles.

He emphasized, "We are not going anywhere and will stand with Ukraine."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) and U.S. President Joe Biden are walking side by side while talking ahead of attending a session of the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, on the 21st.
[Image source=AP News]

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also met with President Zelensky on the same day.

He said, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and Ukraine's security is our security."

He continued, "President Zelensky's very presence is a strong signal to Russia," and stressed, "The G7 is united in support of Ukraine."

Prime Minister Sunak specifically stated, "We will provide the air power Ukraine will need in the future," and "Pilot training will begin this summer."

He noted, "No one wants peace more than President Zelensky," but pointed out, "The conditions for peace must be based on Ukraine's principles." This is seen as an expression of support for Ukraine's demands for the full withdrawal of Russian forces and restoration of territory.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.