Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, arrived in the United States on Wednesday to meet with US President Joe Biden and address Congress.
This is Zelensky’s first visit outside Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February, but he faces a threat from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who says the trip will not ‘bode well’ for Ukraine.
According to the Daily Mail, a White House official who confirmed Zelensky’s arrival said, “President Zelensky has arrived in the United States.”
Zelensky arrived at Joint Base Andrews shortly after 12 p.m. ET for a brief visit before returning to Russia. He arrived on an Air Force plane with the distinctive blue-and-white markings of an official American aircraft.
Chief of Protocol Rufus Gifford greeted Ukraine’s President. Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, also greeted Zelensky as he stepped off the plane.
President Joe Biden and his administration have gone above and beyond, providing the Ukrainian leader, who has become a global hero for his defense of his country, with the trappings of a state visit, including an Oval Office meeting, a presidential press conference, and a Joint Address to Congress.
On a cold but sunny day in Washington, D.C., Ukrainian and American flags lined the streets of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Overshadowing the historic visit, according to the report, is the looming specter of Russia, where officials announced more boots on the ground in Ukraine and warned Biden’s decision to give Ukraine the Power Patriot missile defense system does ‘not bode well’ for the country.
It was also reported that while Zelensky was flying to the United States, Putin was speaking to his top military commanders, repeating his belief that Russian goals in Ukraine will be achieved and saying that the nation’s soldiers are fighting “like the heroes” of the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II.
Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu proposed increasing the size of Russian forces in Ukraine to 1.5 million – up from the original target of 1.15 million service members.
Putin gave his approval, saying: “I agree with your proposals.”
U.S. officials said they were aware Zelensky’s absence from his country could lead to increased Russian attacks. Zelensky rallied his troops on Tuesday ahead of his trip.
“I wish that your sun, that is your children, to shine for you, for them to motivate you to survive for sure and defend your families, our state, and the future of your children,” he said.
He visited the eastern frontline city of Bakhmut, which is the frontlines of the war against Russia, where he wished soldiers good health and reminded them that they were fighting for their children
“You are absolutely historic people,’ he told them. ‘History only remembers the victors, only the strong and the brave.”
Zelensky, while in the States, is expected to speak about the bravery of his people and thank the U.S. for its support. But he will also lobby for more military equipment and greater financial support at a time some Republicans are questioning whether such support should continue.
Meanwhile, some U.S. citizens have been asking the country not to give more funds to Ukraine, saying that the North American country has its share of internal challenges that money can solve.