President Joe Biden on Wednesday wished Volodymyr Zelenskyy a safe journey as the Ukrainian president travels to the United States — while Vladimir Putin swore retaliation in response to the US giving the embattled nation the Patriot missile defense system.
Zelenskyi tweeted early in the morning that he was ready for his first trip outside of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February. Biden responded with a warm welcome message: “Hope you have a good flight Volodymyr. I’m glad to have you here. Much to discuss.’
But the historic visit has been overshadowed by the looming specter of Russia, where officials announced they were gaining a foothold in Ukraine and warned that increased US military aid boded “no good” for the country.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday wished Volodymyr Zelenskyy a safe trip as the Ukrainian president travels to the United States to meet with him at the White House and address Congress
A worker installs Ukrainian and US flags near the US Capitol ahead of Zelenskyy’s visit
Speaking to his top military commanders as Zelenskyy flew to the United States, Putin reiterated his belief that Russia’s goals in Ukraine will be achieved, saying the nation’s soldiers fought “like the heroes” of the War of 1812, World War I and World War II.”
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu proposed increasing the number of Russian armed forces in Ukraine to 1.5 million – up from the original target of 1.15 million military personnel.
Putin gave his approval and said: “I agree with your proposals.”
Zelenskyy assembled his troops before his trip on Tuesday.
“I wish that your sun, that is, your children, shines for you, that they motivate you to survive safely and to defend your families, our state and the future of your children,” he said.
He visited the eastern frontline town of Bakhmut, on the front line of the war against Russia, where he wished the troops good health and reminded them that they were fighting for their children.
“You are absolutely historic people,” he told them. “History remembers only the victors, only the strong and brave.”
Zelensky is expected to speak about the bravery of his people and thank the country for its support during his stay in the US. But he will also push for more military equipment and greater financial support, while some Republicans question whether such support should continue.
Ukrainian forces have held off Russia’s invading military and pushed them back to the northeast and south. But the war is expected to continue for some time, and both sides will brace themselves for a long, cold winter.
During Zelenskyy’s historic visit to America, which will last only a few hours, Biden will announce that he is sending a Patriot missile system to Ukraine — a defense system that Zelenskyy has long sought for his nation.
The advanced weapons are meant to demonstrate US commitment to Ukraine, as officials concede the war is unlikely to end anytime soon.
The administration also announced Wednesday additional support in the form of about $1 billion in Pentagon-held weapons and $800 million in funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Russia responded with aggression.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the delivery of Patriot missiles would lead “to an intensification of the conflict” and “do not bode well for Ukraine”.
While in Washington, Zelensky will hold an Oval Office meeting with Biden, hold a press conference with the US President, and then address a joint session of Congress.
Zelensky is making the visit at Biden’s personal invitation, a senior government official said Tuesday night.
“He is making his own decisions about this trip based on what he believes is best for his people,” the official said of the Ukrainian president.
The visit will “underline the continued commitment of the United States to Ukraine,” the official noted.
Biden personally invited Zelensky to visit when they spoke on the phone on Dec. 11. The two men are said to speak often, and Biden received Zelensky at the White House in September 2021 — about five months before Russia invaded.
Zelenskyy said in his tweet that the visit was intended to “strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and defense capabilities” and to discuss his country’s and US cooperation with Biden.
Polish broadcaster TVN24 said Zelensky entered Poland early on Wednesday to begin his journey.
The station showed footage of what appeared to be Zelensky arriving at a train station and being escorted to a motorcade, the Associated Press reported.
TVN24 said the video, which was partially blurred for security reasons, was shot Wednesday morning in Przemysl, a Polish border town that was the arrival point for many war refugees.
In a video released by his office of Bakhmut’s visit, Zelenskyy was handed a Ukrainian flag and suggested he would hand it over to US leaders
The White House was working with Ukraine on security arrangements for the trip and admitted they knew of the risk of Russian action while Zelenskyy was out of the country.
The official invitation from the White House went out last Wednesday and Zelensky officially accepted the invitation on Friday. The White House then informed Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose office invited Zelensky to speak at a joint session of Congress.
Biden has not visited Ukraine since the Russian attack, unlike other G7 leaders. Security precautions do not allow the President to travel. Biden visited the border region in Poland, where he met with Ukrainian refugees.
The senior government official acknowledged that the coming winter will be tough for Ukraine but said the nation has American support.
“We know that the conflict will continue in the coming days. The winter will be harsh and day by day we will continue to provide critical support to the Ukrainian people,” the official said.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes as lawmakers prepare to approve a federal budget for next year that includes $44.9 billion for Ukraine — the largest amount yet and well above President Joe Biden’s demand of 37 billion dollars.
The move ensures the embattled nation will have a steady flow of funds for the coming months while raising questions about whether Republicans, who take control of the House of Representatives on Jan. 3, would continue providing financial support.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced retaliation after the US handed Ukraine the Patriot missile defense system
The Patriot missile system is widely recognized as one of the best and most capable of defending airspace against incoming attacks – Zelenskyy has long sought one for his country
Zelenskyy last visited the United States in September 2021 – meeting with President Biden in the Oval Office some five months before Russia invaded
Some Republicans are reluctant to continue supporting Ukraine — both through military aid and sanctions against Russia.
But the White House denied the visit was Republican – although Congress will vote on the funding measure later this week.
“This is not about sending a message to a specific political party. It’s about sending a message to Putin and to the world that America will be there for Ukraine for as long as it takes,” the senior government official said.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Pelosi said she doesn’t necessarily think the new Republican majority will be any less supportive.
“I don’t know if that’s the case,” she said. “I feel very strong in terms of bipartisan support – that might not mean unanimous, but it does mean strong.”
Zelenskyy has long searched for the Patriot missile defense system, which would help his military repel Russian attacks that have destroyed much of its infrastructure.
The system is widely recognized as one of the best and most capable of defending airspace against incoming attacks. Due to its long range, it can potentially shoot down Russian missiles far from their intended targets in Ukraine.
However, it is a complicated system that requires dozens of people to operate and typically takes months to train staff to use. US officials will reportedly train Ukrainian soldiers in Germany.
It is unclear when the missile system will be used in Ukraine given the long training period and the complex logistical arrangements for delivering the sensitive equipment.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Zelensky in Ukraine in May, where he presented her with the Order of Princess Olga
Zelenskyy met with military officials on Tuesday and presented awards to Ukrainian soldiers who held back a bitter month-long Russian campaign for the city
On Tuesday, the Ukrainian President visited the eastern frontline town of Bakhmut, now the epicenter of fighting in Russia’s nearly 10-month invasion of Ukraine.
He met military officials and presented awards to Ukrainian soldiers who held back a bitter month-long Russian campaign for the city.
In a video released by his office of Bakhmut’s visit, Zelenskyy was handed a Ukrainian flag and suggested he would hand it over to US leaders.
“The guys gave us our beautiful Ukrainian flag with their signatures for us to pass on,” he said in the video.
“We are not in an easy situation. The enemy is increasing his army, and our people are bolder and need stronger weapons. We’re going to take it from the boys to Congress, to the President of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but that’s not enough. It’s a hint – it’s not enough.’