Zelenskiy pays second wartime visit to US, tries to shore up more military support
- 21 September, 17:14
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday paid his second wartime visit to Washington where he urged the US lawmakers to continue supporting Kyiv in its war against Russia.
“I am in Washington to strengthen Ukraine’s position to defend our children, our families, our homes, freedom and democracy in the world,” Zelenskiy said speaking in the Oval Office before meeting his US counterpart Joe Biden. He thanked Biden for Washington’s support to “combat Russian terrorism.” Addressing the senators at the Capital, Zelenskiy warned that his country would lose the war without the aid, according to Senator Chuck Schumer.
In turn, Biden praised Ukrainian people’s bravery in face of Russian aggression.
“We’re supporting a just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Biden said. “Together with our partners and allies, the American people are determined to see to all we can to ensure the world stands with you,” he added.
Meanwhile, Biden unveiled yet another US aid package for Kyiv worth $325 million that was expected to include more cluster munitions and air defense equipment, according to two US officials.
Zelenskiy’s visit came amid increased weariness over the Ukrainian among the American public. Recently, Republicans have opposed Joe Biden’s latest request for additional $24 billion in military aid to Ukraine in addition to the $113 billion in military, economic, humanitarian and other aid for Ukraine so far.
It should be noted that this war Zelenskiy’s second wartime visit to Washington. He visited Washington back in December in his first foreign trip since Russia’s full-fledged invasion of the country.
