WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is on his way to Washington D.C. today for a summit with President Joe Biden, and to address Congress in his first known trip outside the country since Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky said on Twitter that the visit was “to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities” of Ukraine and to discuss additional cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.
This trip comes after several months of brutal fighting that has resulted in countless casualties. It also comes as Congress votes on a year-end spending deal that includes approximately $45 billion in assistance to Ukraine, and as the U.S. prepares to send “Patriot” missiles to the war-torn country.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhite House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that Biden looks forward to Zelensky’s visit and that the address to Congress will demonstrate “the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine.” Jean-Pierre added that the visit will “underscore the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes, including through the provision of economic, humanitarian, and military assistance.”
Embed from Getty ImagesZelensky is scheduled to meet first with Biden at the White House in the afternoon and will address Congress later this evening.
