Ukraine to take part in G7 summit, expects aid from U.S. - Zelensky, following phone call with Biden

MOSCOW. Dec 12 (Interfax) - Ukraine will take part in a Group of Seven summit on Monday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said in a video address in the early hours of Monday, in commenting on his telephone call with United States President Joe Biden.

"Have just talked with President Biden. As usual, it was substantive and helpful. There have been strong agreements. A G7 summit will take place today, Ukraine will take part, and we have just coordinated our positions with America," Ukrainian media quoted Zelensky as saying in his address.

Some details of the conversation have been published on the presidential website, Ukrainian media said. In particular, Zelensky informed Biden that about 50% of Ukrainian power supply infrastructure has been destroyed.

"In this context, the [Ukrainian] president mentioned assistance provided by the United States in reconstructing the Ukrainian energy system. Vladimir Zelensky said he hoped for more profound cooperation in this field," it said.

Meanwhile, as the White House said in a statement, "President Biden highlighted how the U.S. is prioritizing efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defense through our security assistance."

Biden mentioned the December 9 announcement made by his administration of $275 million in additional ammunition and equipment that included systems to counter unmanned aerial vehicles.

President Biden also referred to the November 29 announcement of $53 million "to support energy infrastructure to strengthen the stability of Ukraine's energy grid," the White House said.