(Washington) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing to visit Washington, the United States, on Wednesday, three sources told The Associated Press. It will be his first known trip outside the country since the Russian invasion began in February.
Two congressional sources and a person familiar with the matter confirmed plans to visit. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the high sensitivity of the trip. However, they warned that Mr Zelensky’s visit, even if planned, could be canceled at the last minute due to security concerns.
The visit to Washington is expected to include an address to Congress and a meeting with President Joe Biden. As lawmakers prepare to vote on a year-end spending package that includes about $45 billion in emergency aid to Ukraine, the United States is preparing to deploy surface-to-air missiles.
The latest US funding would be the largest injection of US aid to Ukraine so far, beyond Mr Biden’s $37 billion emergency request, and would ensure funds flow to Ukraine. war effort in the coming months.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi encouraged lawmakers to stay in session Wednesday night.
“We are concluding a very special session of 117e Congress, with legislation to advance the American people and support our democracy, Mr.me Pelosi in a letter to her colleagues on Tuesday. Please join us for a special focus on democracy on Wednesday evening. »
Mr. Zelensky – almost daily – addressed various parliaments and international organizations by video and he sent his wife to foreign capitals for help. The visit comes a day after he made a daring and dangerous trip to what he called the hottest spot on the 1,300-kilometer front line, the town of Baghmoud in Ukraine’s disputed Donetsk province.
In a video released by Pakmut’s office during his visit, Mr Zelensky was presented with a Ukrainian flag and pointed to a speech he gave to US leaders.
“The guys handed over our beautiful Ukrainian flag with their signatures for us to send,” Zelensky said in the video. We are not in an easy situation. The enemy increases his forces. Our people are brave and need strong weapons. We will send it from the “boys” to Congress, to the President of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but it is not enough. »
