Ukraine President Zelensky Lands In US On First Foreign Trip Since War, To Meet Biden, Address Congress

This is Zelensky’s first visit outside Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February.

Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday arrived in the United States to meet with the US President, Joe Biden and address Congress.

This is Zelensky’s first visit outside Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February, yet, he is facing a threat from the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who said that the trip will not ‘bode well’ for Ukraine.

Daily Mail reports that a White House official who confirmed Zelensky’s arrival said, “President Zelensky has landed in the U.S.”

Zelensky touched down at Joint Base Andrews shortly after 12 p.m. ET for a short stay in the U.S. before returning to his homeland. He arrived on an Air Force plane with the distinct blue-and-white markings that designate it as an official American aircraft.

The Ukraine President was greeted by Chief of Protocol Rufus Gifford. The ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Oksana Markarova also met Zelensky as he stepped off the plane.

President Joe Biden and his administration have pulled out all the stops – giving the Ukrainian leader, who has reached hero status around the world for his defence of his country, the trappings of a state visit: an Oval Office meeting, a presidential press conference and a Joint Address to Congress.

Ukrainian and American flags lined the streets of Pennsylvania Avenue on a cold but sunny day in Washington, D.C.

According to the report, overshadowing the historic visit, however, is the looming spectre of Russia, where officials announced they would put more boots on the ground in Ukraine and warned Biden’s decision to give Ukraine the Power Patriot missile defence system does ‘not bode well’ for the country.

It was further reported that as 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 said 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.