The U.S. Department of State supports Ukraine's efforts for a just and lasting peace. Deputy Press Secretary Vedant Patel mentioned this during a press briefing.
On the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day anniversary, he recalled the words of U.S. President Joe Biden.
"Joe Biden stated that winning the war in Ukraine is to get Russia out of Ukraine completely. And as we support efforts toward a just and lasting peace, Ukraine is and will remain an independent, sovereign, democratic, and prosperous nation," emphasized Vedant Patel.
He added that on August 24, 2023, Ukrainians will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of their declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. Additionally, it will mark the second Independence Day of Ukraine since the beginning of the large-scale, unlawful, and unprovoked Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.
"This year’s celebrations will be bittersweet for Ukraine’s people because, for the past 18 months, they have continued to face the Russian Government’s onslaught of brutal attacks. In addition to the Kremlin’s relentless bombings, they are also engaging in the systemic abduction and forced deportation of thousands of Ukraine’s children. And yet when faced with this kind of brutality, Ukrainians responded by continuing to support the defenses of their country and inspiring the world with their extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom. The U.S., along with our allies and partners, will continue to support to Ukraine for as long as it takes so Ukraine can defend itself from Russian aggression and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table when the time comes," stated the State Department spokesperson.
Mr. Patel also emphasized that the United States considers the issue of drone provision by Iran to be of utmost importance.
"At the nexus with Russia is their provision of drones to the Russian Federation for use in Ukraine. That is something, of course, that the United States takes serious issue with. And we, of course, in coordination with our allies and partners, will continue to hold both the Iranian regime as well as the Russian Federation accountable for the use of these drones on our Ukrainian partners," emphasized Vedant Patel. "We would welcome any country that, one, wants to take steps to support our Ukrainian partners, and two, we would welcome any country playing a role in conveying, continuing to convey to the Russian Federation that – how important and dire it is that they leave Ukraine altogether and stop attempting to violate Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty."
