WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden plans to use his remaining months in the White House to strengthen Ukraine’s position in its conflict with Russia, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Saturday.

Speaking remotely at a forum in Kyiv, Sullivan confirmed that Biden will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month to discuss continued US support.

“President Zelenskyy has said that ultimately this war has to end through negotiations, and we need them to be strong in those negotiations,” Sullivan said, emphasizing that Ukraine would set the timing for any talks with Russia.

The announcement follows a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine brokered by the United Arab Emirates and ongoing Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine.

Sullivan acknowledged delays in aid delivery due to logistical challenges rather than political hesitation. “It’s not a matter of political will,” he said. “Given what Ukraine is up against, we’ve got to do more, and we’ve got to do better.”

With the US election approaching, Biden’s successor will either continue his policies through Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris or potentially shift course under Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, who has indicated a desire to end the conflict but has shown a more pro-Russian stance. — Agencies