The Presidents of Ukraine and the USA during their talks in the White House.
(Photo: AP)
Washington Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Joe Biden in Washington. “I’m glad you were able to make the trip,” Biden said in a welcome speech at the White House on Wednesday.
Zelensky had previously stated that the meeting would serve, among other things, to strengthen military cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in Russia’s war of aggression against the former Soviet republic. The talks will also deal with the energy crisis in his country.
And Biden promised Ukraine further defense support: “We will continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, especially air defense, and therefore we will provide Ukraine with Patriot missile batteries.” According to military experts, the modern anti-aircraft system has the potential to thwart Russian military strategy with airstrikes against cities and infrastructure.
Selenski speaks of great honor and thanks
Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “escalating his attacks on civilians” and that Russia wanted to “use winter as a weapon”. Speaking to Zelensky, the US President said the Ukrainian people “inspire the world with their courage”. “You’re Man of the Year,” Biden said, referring to Time Magazine’s decision to feature Zelenski on the cover.
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Together they both walked through the rose garden of the White House. It’s a sunny, windless day in Washington, which makes the cold temperatures bearable. As the two entered the Oval Office, Zelenski said in English that it was “a great honor” to be in the White House.
>> Read here: The unequal duel of the war opponents Zelenskiy and Putin
With US support, Ukraine is able to defend itself against Russian troops. Zelenskiy expressed “all my appreciation, from my heart and from the hearts of all Ukrainians,” for Biden’s leadership and US assistance.
Zelensky also thanked Congress, which is likely to approve another tranche of aid to Ukraine early Thursday morning as part of a $1.7 trillion budget. Since President Biden took office in January 2021, the US has provided $21.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine. “Our common people thank your common people, all Americans,” Zelenski continued, “we really appreciate it.”
First trip abroad since the beginning of the war
In the Oval Office, he presented Biden with a cross medal, a military decoration of Ukraine. Before leaving for the United States, Zelensky said he visited the troops in the Ukrainian city of Bahmut. A commander asked him to pass the award on to Biden. “He said, ‘Give this to the very brave President.'”
Biden helped save many lives. The commander’s name is Pavlo. The US President accepted the medal, visibly moved. He didn’t deserve such a gift, Biden said, but it was “very appreciated.” He wanted to give the commander a military coin as a thank you.
Scenes like these show the symbolic power of Selenski’s trip, even if it is not an official state visit. Both leaders seemed very familiar. Biden put his hand on Selenski’s shoulder as he met him at the south entrance of the White House on red carpets, escorted by an American guard.
U.S. Chief of Protocol Rufus Gifford greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the airport.
(Photo: via REUTERS)
His guest wore war clothes, a camouflage green sweater, cargo pants and heavy boots – a contrast to Biden’s dark blue suit. For Selenski, who is said to have a great sense of scenic effect, the military outfit has been service clothing since the beginning of the war.
It is Zelensky’s first trip outside of Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Biden last received Selenski in the White House in September 2021. A few days before the outbreak of war, the Ukrainian President met with US Vice President Kamala Harris on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
With agency material.
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