Ukraine Prez Zelensky leaves for US marking first foreign visit since Russian invasion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed his visit to the United States on Twitter in what would be the Ukrainian president’s first-ever visit after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Taking to Twitter, President Zelenskyy wrote, “On my way to the US to strengthen the resilience and defence capabilities of Ukraine. In particular, the president (US President Joe Biden) and I will discuss cooperation between Ukraine and the US. I will also have a speech at the Congress and a number of bilateral meetings.”
Zelenskyy addressed Congress in March, shortly after Russia’s invasion, speaking to lawmakers by video link from Ukraine. In that address to the US House and Senate, he implored lawmakers for immediate assistance and invoked parallels to the September 11 terrorist attacks and Pearl Harbor.
Zelenskyy, in an address on Tuesday night in Ukraine, said it was critical to obtain more assistance as the country enters winter.
“We will do everything possible and impossible, expected and unexpected so that our heroes have everything they need to prevail,” he said, adding, “This week is extremely important for Ukraine — in order to get through this winter and next year.”
Ukraine is facing repeated Russian missile and drone strikes that have targeted civilians and critical energy infrastructure in the country, causing cuts to power and water supplies.
On Tuesday in the capital Kyiv, electricity output was 50 per cent less than needed, Serhiy Kovalenko, CEO of energy supplier YASNO, which provides the city’s power, said on Facebook.
Zelenskyy has also pressed the US for more advanced weapons systems to fend off the barrage of Russian air attacks.
The US is also poised to approve plans to send Patriot air and missile defence systems to Ukraine, pending final approval from Biden and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, two US officials said last week.
