At a historic meeting on Wednesday, Joe Biden pledged to Volodymyr Zelenskyy to “further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly air defenses,” while the Ukrainian president thanked him for his “great support.”
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The US President received his counterpart by the fireplace in the Oval Office on the occasion of the Ukrainian President’s first trip abroad since invading his country in February and also told him that he supported Kiev’s quest for a “just peace”.
The Ukrainian people remain “a source of inspiration for the world,” he said.
Joe Biden has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for using “winter as a weapon” against civilians by targeting water and electricity networks.
“Thank you from our commoners to your commoners, the Americans,” said the Ukrainian leader, who, as is now his habit, was dressed in trousers and a khaki sweater and heavy booties.
He told Joe Biden of his “heartfelt gratitude” for his “pioneering” role in the invasion of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy then presented his counterpart with a gift, a medal entrusted to him the day before at the front by a Ukrainian soldier whom he described as a “true hero” and explained that it was a captain operating a spear system – US HIMARS missiles.
“He said to me, ‘Give it to the President,'” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, presenting Joe Biden with a decoration that was kept in a velvet-lined box.
The US President felt it was a “great honor” to receive the gift and said he too would like to present an American medal to this Ukrainian soldier.
After 300 days of war, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has booked his first visit to the country, which is by far the largest supplier of aid to Ukraine.
Washington announced a major new component of military assistance during its visit, most notably a Patriot surface-to-air missile system.
The Ukrainian president is also later due to address Congress as it prepares to vote on a new nearly $45 billion envelope for Ukraine.