Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has touched down in the US for his first journey outside his country since it was invaded by Russia to urge President Joe Biden and a divided Congress to continue sending him billions of dollars in military support.
In an historic visit that underscores the partnership and resistance to Vladimir Putin’s war, Zelensky landed in Washington shortly before 1pm, just as Congress prepared to pass an end-of-year spending bill that includes about $US45 billion ($67.5 billion) in aid for Ukraine and NATO allies. He will be greeted at the White House by the US President at 2pm.
Members of the US Congress give Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky a standing ovation before his virtual address in March.Credit:AP
Zelensky took the high-risk trip to meet with Biden and national security council officials in the Oval Office before a prime-time address to a joint session of Congress in the evening. The visit was first discussed during a call between the two leaders on December 11, with a formal invitation sent three days later. It was only confirmed on Sunday.
While en route to the US, the Ukraine president tweeted that he was on his way to “strengthen resilience and defence capabilities” for his country.
In response, the US president tweeted: “I hope you’re having a good flight, Volodymyr. I’m thrilled to have you here. Much to discuss.”
As part of the visit, the Biden administration has announced about $1.8 billion in additional security assistance to Ukraine, including long-range Patriot missile systems and precision bomb kits designed to counter Russia’s bombardment of Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure, which is causing cuts to power and water supplies.
“Over the past three hundred days, the Kremlin has tried and failed to wipe Ukraine off the map,” US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said in a statement shortly before Zelensky landed in Washington.
“Now, Russia is trying to weaponise winter by freezing and starving Ukrainian civilians and forcing families from their homes.”
Zelensky’s visit is a public relations masterstroke for the former-comedian-turned politician, coming at a time when members of the incoming Republican House have started agitating for the US to spend more money to secure its own borders instead of defending Ukraine’s.
The US has so far spent $US20 billion in security assistance to help Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in February.
A US-made Patriot missile is launched during an annual exercise in Taiwan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pushing the US to send the defence systems so Ukraine can repel Russian airstrikes.Credit:AP
But with Republicans taking control of the House of Representatives on January 3 while the Democrats retain the Senate, the political landscape is far less certain.
On Tuesday for instance, far-right Republican Lauren Boebert posted on Twitter: “In case you haven’t heard, our government wants to send yet another $US47 billion to Ukraine. Yes, really.”
And in the lead up to November’s midterms, Republican Minority leader Kevin McCarthy, who is likely to replace Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House, also noted a future shift, telling Punchbowl News: “I think people are gonna be sitting in a recession and they’re not going to write a blank cheque to Ukraine. They just won’t do it.”
Zelensky’s Washington trip came a day after he made a similarly daring trip to the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine’s contested Donetsk province, where he praised Ukrainian troops for their “courage, resilience and strength”.
Biden and Zelensky have spoken on the phone numerous times but have not met in person since the war started. According to a high-level source, the invitation to come to Washington was issued by Biden in a call on December 11.
The Ukraine president first addressed Congress via video link in March, giving an impassioned speech in which he played a graphic video of war injuries and deaths, invoked parallels to the September 11 attacks and the bombing of Pearl Harbour, and implored members for immediate assistance.
“And as the leader of my nation, I’m addressing President Biden. You are the leader of your great nation. I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said at the time.
Soon after Zelensky finished his address – and was greeted with a bipartisan standing ovation – Biden announced he would provide an additional $US800 million ($1.09 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine, in what was among the first of many defence packages the US has provided since.
But the latest instalment comes amid a protracted war with little end in sight.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said 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.”
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