United States President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demonstrated a united front on their approach to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine as Zelenskyy makes a dramatic visit to the U.S.
“I think … we share the exact same vision, and that a free, independent, prosperous and secure Ukraine is the vision — we both want this war to end,” Biden told reporters.
U.S. President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky exchanged military items during a historic visit at the White House. This was Zelensky’s first time out of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion at the start of the year.
Zelenskyy presented Biden with the Cross for Military Merit at the request of the Ukrainian officer who earned it for battlefield feats earlier this year.
In return, Biden presented Zelenskyy with a U.S. command coin to be delivered to the officer who had offered up his Ukrainian medal and another coin for the Ukrainian president.
Biden said that the Ukrainian president’s leadership has inspired the world. He also blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for trying to “use winter as a weapon” by attacking civilian targets that provide electricity and heat to millions of people. Biden pledged continuing support for “the great people of Ukraine.”
Zelensky offered “all my appreciations, from my heart, from the heart of all Ukrainians” for American support as his forces battle Russian invaders.
Ukrainians hail Zelenskyy after US visit
Ukrainians hailed Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States as a success.
“We are returning from Washington with good results, with things that will really help,” Zelenskyy said in a video message shared on his Telegram account. He thanked President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress for supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
The U.S. has announced a new $1.8 billion military aid package, including supplies of the Patriot air defense systems, the most powerful such weapons to be delivered to Ukraine yet. Ukraine will also receive an additional $44.9 billion in U.S. aid as part of a massive government spending bill the Senate just approved.
The same day Zelensky travelled to Washington, Russian President Putin met with his top military officials and announced plans to expand and better equip his armed forces.