Biden apologizes to Zelensky for delay in sending weapons to Ukraine

• The lengthy holdup, a result of opposition from some Republicans in Congress, came as Ukrainian troops struggled with personnel and ammunition shortages in the ongoing fight against Russia's invasion.
• Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged last month that the months of delay had hampered Ukraine's war effort.

The big picture: Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Zelensky in Paris, Biden said he apologized to the Ukrainian people for the months spent waiting to see if more aid would come, AP reported.

• Biden underscored his administration's continued support for Ukraine, saying: "We're still in. Completely. Thoroughly."
• Congress passed a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine in April — eight months after Biden first requested billions of dollars in new funding for Ukraine.

State of play: The delay forced Kyiv to ration ammunition and supplies, costing the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and allowing Russia to gain ground in eastern Ukraine.

• Last month, Russian forces launched a new offensive on Ukraine's northeast Kharkiv region and proceeded to make quick progress.

Go deeper:

• Russia launches new assault on Ukraine's northern Kharkiv region
• Blinken visits Ukraine as Russian forces step up Kharkiv assault