Joe Biden promised his Ukrainian counterpart to lend all the support against Russia, as President Zelensky in his maiden foreign tour since Russia invaded Ukraine reached the White House Wednesday.
President Biden assured Zelensky that the Ukrainian president will never find himself alone in his fight against the Russian invasion. The US President vowed to continue supporting Ukraine till they need it.
President Zelensky in the US
Stepping out of war-ravaged Ukraine for the first time in ten months, Zelensky visited Washington. He tweeted on the trip before he reached the US capital. He wrote that the visit is focused on strengthening resilience and better cooperation between the two nations. He added that he had a speech at the US Congress, and some meetings were also scheduled.
On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of 🇺🇦. In particular, @POTUS and I will discuss cooperation between 🇺🇦 and 🇺🇸. I will also have a speech at the Congress and a number of bilateral meetings.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 21, 2022
Washington seemed to be very glad upon Zelensky US visit, which was also evident from the Ukraine President’s tweet soon after his arrival. He was inevitably overwhelmed with the “warm welcome,” as his tweet suggested, and expressed that he was much more confident about getting American support after his arrival.
I thank @POTUS for the warm welcome and I deeply appreciate all the support of the U.S. and the American people. I am confident that together we will be able to secure a better, prosperous and free future for both of our nations. Ukraine’s victory will also be America’s victory. pic.twitter.com/OhclRtwIJy
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 22, 2022
What did Biden say?
The apparent result of Zelensky US visit actually came before his arrival, with President Biden announcing a package of $1.85 billion for Ukraine. The package includes “equipment and ammunition contracts,” tweeted Biden, and declared further cooperation to strengthen the air defense of Ukraine in their fight against Russian invasion.
They share the same vision, said the US President.
Today, I’m announcing the next tranche of security assistance to Ukraine:
A $1.85 billion package that includes equipment and ammunition contracts. And a Patriot missile battery that we will train forces to operate as part of our efforts to strengthen Ukrainian air defense.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 21, 2022
The US President also stated that talking in person was “meaningful” despite continuous communication since the war started.
I had the honor of sitting down with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine.
We’ve been in communication throughout the war, but it was meaningful to speak in person. I told President Zelenskyy the United States is committed to supporting the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes. pic.twitter.com/l5HwdXmaBW
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 22, 2022
In the joint session, Joe Biden praised how President Zelensky led the country amid this extreme crisis and said it is an inspiration for the Ukrainian people and the whole world, including Americans.
The Ukraine President reiterated that as a President, he will never compromise with peace which includes territorial integrity, freedom, and sovereignty in its definition for him.
What President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine have achieved matters for the entire world. Together, the United States and Ukraine will keep the flame of liberty burning bright.
That light – again – will prevail over darkness. pic.twitter.com/sxktF6bmV7
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 22, 2022
Biden and Zelensky jointly vowed to make efforts to figure out how the war could be put to an end. The president of Ukraine also pledged that he will not, as he has done so far, ignore the battle or surrender.
The US Congress was set to vote on a fresh expenditure package this week, including emergency assistance of almost $45 billion for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy US Congress Speech
As scheduled, Zelensky delivered a speech in the US Congress. Zelensky US congress speech included an expression of his confidence about Ukraine’s survival amid this terrible threat.
American support to Ukraine in terms of money is an “investment” and “not charity,” said the president of the war-rattled country. He added that the money is being invested not only in Ukraine but the democracy and security of the entire world.
The Ukraine President addressed the lawmakers in English and also mentioned parts of glorious American history.
We are behind you in this fight, @ZelenskyyUa. Thank you for addressing us tonight, and safe travels back to Ukraine. Your words tonight, just like your bravery, will not soon be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/ZDYlDds7Hv
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) December 22, 2022
Closed-door Bilateral Talks
Before addressing the US Congress, the Ukrainian president had closed-door discussions with President Biden for over two years in the Oval Office. After the meeting was concluded, the two presidents reaffirmed their alliance by holding a news conference.
Tonight, the fourth night of Hanukkah, we honor the timeless miracle of a small band of warriors fighting for their values against a much larger foe.
That story of resilience reminds me of Ukraine. Even in the darkest days of the year – light will always prevail. pic.twitter.com/4Xqavk1zMA
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 22, 2022
What did Nancy Pelosi Tweet?
Nancy Pelosi, US Speaker of the House, was also quite excited about Zelensky US visit.
Slava Ukraini! pic.twitter.com/qFrO25ZocH
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 22, 2022
Patriot- a Gift
The USA assured Ukraine to provide Patriot missiles, which will strengthen their air defense to combat Russian invasion.
Kyiv was constantly pushing Washington to provide them with the Patriot system, which finally came in parallel with Zelensky’s visit.
The Concluding Words
Meanwhile, Moscow was naturally unable to accept the US visit of President Zelensky, as they heard the news of the trip and Biden’s announcement on Patriot missiles, and Russia warned that the conflict will further “deepen.” Now, it will be interesting to see the impact of this visit and US assistance on the relationship between America and Russia, which is, however, going through a cold war since Russia invaded Ukraine.
