On his first foreign trip since Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington on Wednesday and got assurances of additional US support, including new missile defense systems.
President Joe Biden gently placed his hand on Zelensky’s shoulder as he rolled out the red carpet in front of the White House. Zelensky remained in his signature military fatigues instead of changing into a suit.
Biden informed Zelensky, as they sat by the fireplace in the Oval Office, that “We’re going to continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly air defense,”
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Putin is attempting to use winter as a weapon, but the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world, according to Biden.
Biden stated, “I mean that sincerely — not just inspire us but inspire the world with their courage and how they have chosen their resilience and resolve for their future,”
Later, Zelensky will deliver an address to Congress, which is negotiating a fresh $45 billion package for Ukraine ahead of the new year. Zelensky’s media acumen and tough manner have helped him rally the globe behind Ukraine’s cause.
Zelensky hailed Biden at the White House for his “significant support and leadership across Europe.”
“I think it’s very difficult to understand what does it mean when we say appreciate but you really have to feel it,” Zelensky remarked in English.
After a perilous visit to the frontline in Bakhmut, where both sides have suffered huge casualties from incessant gunfire and shelling for the past two months, he traveled to the United States.
Zelensky presented Biden with an award he said was given to him by a “true hero” — the ground captain of a HIMARS rocket system that was a game-changer on the battlefield.
Zelensky said, he was really brave and he said to present it to a very brave president.
Legislators compared Zelensky’s journey to Winston Churchill’s 1941 Christmastime appearance at the Capitol, days after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor led the United States into World War II.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a champion of Ukraine, said, “It is particularly poignant for me to be present when another heroic leader addresses the Congress in a time of war — and with democracy itself on the line,”
As Zelensky arrived, the United States announced an additional $1.85 billion in previously allocated money for Ukraine, including for the first time the modern Patriot air defense system, which is capable of intercepting cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles.
Ukraine fears a growing onslaught of missiles and has been subjected to a spate of drone attacks, many of which were purchased by Russia from Iran, as Moscow bombards power facilities and other civilian infrastructure as the country chills in the winter cold.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated on Wednesday that further arms delivery will exacerbate the situation” and do not bode well for Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin argued with senior military officials during a televised presentation that Moscow was not to fault for the invasion and agreed with their judgment that Russia needs a stronger army.
“The combat capabilities of our armed forces are increasing constantly,” Putin said, adding that Russia will also “improve the combat readiness of our nuclear triad.”
“What is happening is, of course, a tragedy — our shared tragedy. But it is not the result of our policy. It is the result of the policy of third countries,” he added.
“We don’t have any limits on funding. The country and the government is giving everything that the army asks for, everything,” Putin said.
US officials said Zelensky’s visit was planned in secret, beginning with a phone contact between Vice President Biden and Zelensky on December 11, followed by a formal invitation a week later and confirmation of the visit on Sunday.
Flight-tracking services indicate he took off from Rzeszow, Poland, a city on the Ukrainian border that has emerged as a center for Western support.
Ukraine maintains widespread support in the United States, despite criticism from a number of far-right Republicans who oppose the assistance or have shown sympathy for Putin.
Kevin McCarthy, the head of the House of Representatives Republican caucus, stated prior to the midterm elections that the incoming Congress would not give Ukraine a “blank check,” a statement interpreted as an attempt to appease the right flank of his party.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, though, said he was looking forward to meeting Zelensky and that defeating Russia was in the United States’ best interest.
“The Ukrainian people are courageous and innocent and they deserve our help,” McConnell said on the Senate floor.
“President Zelensky is an inspiring leader, but the most basic reasons for continuing to help Ukraine degrade and defeat the Russian invaders are cold, hard, practical, American interests.”
