As part of his visit to the United States of America, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with U.S. President Joseph Biden.
Joseph and Jill Biden greeted the Ukrainian President at the White House in Washington.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked for the invitation and warm welcome among true friends of Ukraine. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, he expressed gratitude to Joseph Biden and all Americans for the tremendous support and leadership that the United States has shown in helping Ukraine.
"Mr. President, it is a great honor for me to be here. I wanted to arrive earlier, but I couldn't because of the difficult situation. And since I'm here, that means we're in control of the situation. And this is primarily thanks to your support," said the Ukrainian President during a short conversation with media representatives before the start of the negotiations.
Joseph Biden welcomed Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington.
"Mr. President, it’s good to have you back. I am delighted you were able to make the trip. And it is an honor to be by your side in the united defense against the brutal war waged by Putin. It's hard to believe, but 300 days have passed since the brutal assault on Ukrainians' right to exist as a nation," said the U.S. President.
The leader of the United States noted the courage and resolve demonstrated by the Ukrainian people in defending their future. The U.S. will continue to provide Ukraine with the ability to defend itself, in particular by means of air defense.
"And that is why we are going to be providing Ukraine with a Patriot missile battery and training your forces to be able to accurately use them," Joseph Biden said.
The President of Ukraine conveyed to his colleague the "Cross of Combat Merit" award from the Ukrainian military officer - commander of the HIMARS battery. The officer received this award for participating in combat operations in the hottest direction, and during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Bakhmut, he asked to hand over his award to Joseph Biden as a sign of gratitude for the invaluable support of Ukraine and the contribution made by the United States to strengthening Ukrainian defense capabilities.
"This is a real hero, captain. He asked me to hand over his award to President Biden. He is very brave. He said, "Give it to the very brave President." And I would like to give you this "Cross of Combat Merit" from him," said the Ukrainian President.
Before the start of the negotiations, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during the face-to-face meeting with Joseph Biden and during the meeting in the extended format, he would inform the American side with the situation on the battlefield and in the energy sector, as well as with Ukraine's needs for the return of the occupied territories, the protection of the civilian population and the energy system.
Also, before the start of the meeting, the President of Ukraine said that the parties would discuss measures to support our country in the winter period and financial assistance from the United States.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he plans to raise, in particular, the topics of the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, as well as the creation of a compensation mechanism and a special tribunal.
The President of Ukraine is making his first foreign visit since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24 specifically to the United States primarily to thank a key ally for the support provided during more than 300 days of full-scale war. Another goal of the visit is to discuss Ukraine's cooperation with the United States in the coming year.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address the U.S. Congress - both chambers and both parties. The President will summarize this year's achievements and outline Ukraine's main expectations for the coming months.
