Biden receives Zelensky at the White House: “It is an honor to be by his side”

the ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met with his American counterpart Joe Biden on Wednesday at the White House to show a united front against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. As far as is known, it is the first trip abroad that the president has made since the start of the war in February.

Zelensky thanked Biden, legislators and “ordinary Americans” for their support. For his part, Biden said Ukrainians “inspire the world” and it is “an honor to be by your side.” The US president also promised financial, military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. and warned that Russia is “trying to use winter as a weapon” in war.

SIGHT: US confirms shipment of Patriot system to Ukraine in new military aid package

Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed Zelensky, who was wearing an army green casual outfit. She shook hands with Biden before heading to the Oval Office, where they later held a press conference. In the evening, Zelenskyy would deliver a speech before the Congress.

I am in Washington today to thank the American people, the President and Congress for their much-needed support., posted Zelensky on his Instagram account, shortly after landing.

SIGHT: Zelensky’s trip to Washington, prepared in secret and with concern

Moments earlier, a US official confirmed that A US Air Force plane carrying the Ukrainian leader landed at Joint Base Andrewson the outskirts of the capital. Zelensky He tweeted prior to his arrival that the trip was to “strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and defense capabilities” and to discuss cooperation with the United States.

The delicate trip came after 10 months of brutal war, which has left tens of thousands dead and injured on both sides of the conflict. and brought devastation to Ukrainian civilians. Moments before his arrival, US lawmakers announced the largest arms delivery to Ukraine, including Patriot surface-to-air missiles, and Congress planned to vote on a spending package that includes some $45 billion in aid to Ukraine.

Zelensky He set out on the journey after a dangerous visit on Tuesday to what he described as the hottest place on the conflict’s 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) frontline, the town of Bakhmut in Ukraine’s disputed Donetsk province. There he praised the Ukrainian troops for their “courage, resilience and strength” as artillery rumbled in the background.

Poland’s private broadcaster, TVN24, reported that Zelensky crossed into Poland early Wednesday en route to Washington. The chain showed a recording in which he appeared Zelensky arriving at a train station and then was escorted by a motorcade. TVN24 said the video, partially blurred for security reasons, was recorded in Przemysl, a Polish border town that has been the arrival point for many refugees fleeing the war. US officials, citing security concerns, did not comment on the travel plans of Zelensky.

“The visit will underscore the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes, including the provision of economic, humanitarian, and military assistance,” the White House secretary said in a statement Tuesday night. , Karine Jean-Pierre.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in her invitation to Zelesnkyy to address lawmakers, said that the “fight for Ukraine is the fight for democracy,” adding that they were looking forward to “hearing his inspiring message from unity, resilience and determination”.

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.