U.S. Bradley vehicles are exactly what Ukraine needs, says Zelenskiy

Ukraine's President Zelenskiy sings the national anthem during a session of the Parliament in Kyiv
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sings the national anthem during a session of the Ukrainian Parliament, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 28, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Jan 6 (Reuters) - A U.S. commitment to supply Kyiv with Bradley Fighting Vehicles for the first time is exactly what Ukraine needs, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a video address on Friday.

Zelenskiy said the formal announcement showed his visit to Washington last month had produced concrete results. The weapons are part of a new $3 billion U.S. weapons aid package for Ukraine that is set to be announced later on Friday.

"For the first time we will receive Bradley armoured vehicles - this is exactly what is needed," Zelenskiy said, thanking U.S. President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress.

Zelenskiy - who has been pressing allies relentlessly to send more weapons - also thanked Germany, which will send Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles and a Patriot air-defence.

"So, as of now, there are more air defence systems, more armoured vehicles, western tanks - which is a first - more cannons and shells ... and all this means more protection for Ukrainians and all Europeans against any kind of Russian terror," he said.

Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Sandra Maler

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