President Zelensky in US, Meets Biden At White House
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Washington DC and briefly held a meeting with President Joe Biden at Oval office.
After his arrival at the White House where he was greeted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, the two leaders are now engaging in a two-hour bilateral meeting. Mr Zelensky will also meet with other “key figures” of the Biden administration.
Mr Zelensky and Mr Biden will then hold a joint press conference where they will speak about the US’s newly announced commitment to send an additional $2bn in security assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of the Patriot missile defence system.
On Wednesday evening, the Ukrainian president will deliver a joint address to Congress after accepting an invitation from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
As a show of gratitude for the US’s assistance during the war, Mr Zelensky is expected to present Mr Biden and Congress with a Ukrainian flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the visit will “underscore the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes”.
The monumental meeting marks Mr Zelensky’s first trip out of Ukraine in the 300 days since the start of Russia’s invasion.