Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived at the White House for talks with U.S President Joe Biden on continuing U.S funding for the Ukrainian war effort.
Biden and U.S First lady Jill Biden welcomed their Ukrainian counterparts, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska, at the White House in Washington.
Zelenskyy described the visit as “very important.”
Biden told Zelenskyy at the White House that he would “ensure the world stands with you” against Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy told Biden that the Ukrainian people “greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the United States to combat Russian terror.”
It was also reported that Zelenskyy told the U.S President that he looked forward to their discussions with a “special emphasis on air defense.”
Earlier, the U.S National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan disclosed at a briefing that Biden would announce new air defence weapons for Ukraine but would not yet give Kyiv missiles for long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
Prior to Zelenskyy’s meeting with Biden, he met with U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin.
The main topic of negotiations was further provision of Ukraine with the necessary military support to counter Russian aggression. The aid has already reached $46 billion.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the U.S for its leadership within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, which has brought together more than 50 states.
Zelenskyy asserted in their meting, “This support is crucial. The United States is our key ally and partner that helps us win the war.”
The Ukrainian President and the U.S Defense Secretary discussed the supply of artillery systems and long-range weapons. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s air defense.
Zelenskyy also stressed the need for timely supply of necessary weapons and ammunition from partners to continue the de-occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Moreover, Zelenskyy and Austin discussed further intensification of military-technical and defense-industrial cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, as well as the establishment of hubs for the repair of Western-type weaponry and artillery systems.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is interested in cooperation with international partners in building up its own capacities for the production of weapons and related products.
He also invited the American side to participate in the International Defense Industries Forum to be held in Kyiv this fall.
Zelenskyy Visits 9/11 Memorial
Furthermore, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady, Olena Zelenska visited the National Memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley accompanied the Ukrainian presidential couple.
Zelenskyy and his wife walked along the line of honor guard troops and various branches of the United States military, laid a wreath at the memorial to the victims of the terrorist attack and honored their memory.
In addition, they laid flowers at the monument to the youngest passenger of the plane killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack and her parents.
The representatives of the Ukrainian delegation also laid flowers at the monuments to the victims of the terrorist attack.
Also on Thursday, Zelenskyy met with Senate Democratic Leader, Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell and senators.
He briefed the senators on the current situation at the front, Ukraine’s priority defense needs and the necessity to boost the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense, especially as winter approaches.
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