By Janet Ekstract
NEW YORK – In a last-minute visit to the U.S., Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is making his first trip outside Ukraine since Russia invaded his nation, almost one year ago. According to reports, Zelensky is scheduled to visit U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in the afternoon for extended talks. Today is the day that Biden is scheduled to announce sending close to $2 billion in additional security assistance to Ukraine that is reported to include a new sophisticated air defense system.
Zelensky and Biden will hold a White House news conference before Zelensky addresses members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Despite the visit reportedly only lasting up to several hours, experts say the trip marks a pivotal moment. The trip which was orchestrated in the last 10 days, certainly demonstrates the continuing U.S. commitment to Ukraine. A senior administration official told the press that Biden will reiterate a basic message to not only Zelensky – to the Ukrainian people, the American people and the world that America will stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
An administration official said that Biden had discussed Zelensky visiting Washington during a call on December 11. A week ago, Zelenksy was issued a formal invitation then logistics were being discussed but the trip wasn’t actually confirmed until Sunday. Zelensky is expected to meet for major talks with Biden and key members of the U.S. national security team. The official said that Biden and Zelensky will have an “in-depth strategic discussion on the way ahead on the battlefield” along with training and capabilities Western partners are providing for Ukraine, the sanctions they have imposed on Russia and economic and energy assistance to the Ukrainian people.”
