Press Release - "President Biden and my support for the people of Ukraine is unwavering:" Vice President Harris Represents the United States at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine

"I am here in Switzerland to stand with Ukraine and the leaders from around the world in support of a just and lasting peace," said the Vice President while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the sixth time

Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Switzerland today to represent the United States at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. During her 17th foreign trip since being sworn in, the Vice President underscored the Biden-Harris Administration's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine's effort to secure a just and lasting peace that is based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the U.N. Charter.

"America stands with Ukraine not out of charity but because it is in our strategic interest. We stand with delegations from more than 90 nations who also have a strategic interest in a just peace in Ukraine," said Vice President Harris. "Regarding Putin's unprovoked, unjustified war against Ukraine, there is unity and solidarity in support of international norms and rules."

She also argued that it is in the United States' interest to stand up for these longstanding rules and norms that have provided America security and prosperity for generations. Defending these rules and norms has been a consistent focus of the Vice President's as she has traveled to 21 countries since taking office.

"President Biden and I have made clear over the past three years we are committed to uphold international rules and norms, to defend democratic values and stand up to dictators, and to stand with our allies and partners," said Vice President Harris. "This approach makes America strong, and it keeps Americans safe. And this approach bolsters global stability."

Additionally, the Vice President responded to recent comments by Vladimir Putin. "Yesterday, Putin put forward a proposal," she said. "But we must speak truth: He is not calling for negotiations, he is calling for surrender."

Earlier in the day, Vice President Harris met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine for the sixth time. During their bilateral meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed America's support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression.

"President Zelenskyy, your military remains a resilient and effective fighting force, so admirably — one that has and will continue to impress the world," said Vice President Harris. "And this war remains an utter failure for Putin."

Finally, the Vice President reaffirmed that the United States is committed to helping Ukraine rebuild for years to come. She announced funding through USAID and the State Department to bolster Ukraine's energy sector, address humanitarian needs, and strengthen civilian security.

"As we look forward to that peace and work toward that, the United States is committed to helping Ukraine rebuild. To that end, today I am pleased to announce that the United States will provide more than one and a half billion dollars to address Ukraine's humanitarian and energy needs and to help relieve the suffering of the people of Ukraine," said Vice President Harris. "President Zelenskyy, this support is a demonstration of the fact — the indisputable fact the United States stands with the people of Ukraine."

Today's travel to the Summit on Peace in Ukraine was a continuation of the Vice President's consistent leadership on the world stage. She has now represented the United States in 21 countries while on 17 foreign trips. Earlier this year, she represented the United States at the Munich Security Conference for the third time since taking office. In December, the Vice President also traveled to Dubai for COP28 and an intensive round of diplomacy after delivering a major speech in London while at the first-ever Global AI Summit. In September, she traveled to Jakarta for the U.S.-ASEAN Summit after traveling to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia in the spring.