Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky flew to the United States in an American military plane. This was reported by CNN, citing US officials.
“After arriving in Poland by train, Zelensky flew to Washington on an American military plane,” the channel said. Journalists noted that the visit of the Ukrainian president was secretly organized by Ukrainian and US officials.
Zelensky will meet with US President Joe Biden in Washington. According to Bloomberg, Biden will meet Zelensky at the White House at 2:00 p.m. ET (22:00 Moscow time).
The publication states that Zelensky will meet with Biden, members of the US National Security Council and the office of the American president. This will be followed by a press conference of the Ukrainian leader and a speech to the US Congress.
“The visit will underline the unwavering commitment of the United States to support Ukraine as needed, including by providing economic, humanitarian and military assistance,” the White House said.
According to RIA Novosti, referring to a senior US administration official, Zelensky will travel from the White House to the Capitol to address American lawmakers.
He added that the White House formally invited Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington last Wednesday, the visit was finally confirmed on Sunday. “We’ve made it clear that we want to welcome him here at the White House,” the unnamed official added.
“Visit [Зеленского] It will underline the unwavering commitment of the United States to support Ukraine as long as necessary, including by providing economic, humanitarian and military assistance. Online White House.
The Associated Press previously reported that the United States plans to send a new $1.8 billion military aid package to Ukraine. This package will include the supply of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Kiev. But so far, the White House reported that Biden has signed a memorandum of understanding to allocate $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
Kirby’s explanation
John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the US National Security Council, said on CNN that Biden wanted to discuss with Zelensky his “vision of a just world” that should end the military conflict in Ukraine.
“I have no doubt they will talk about Zelenskiy’s vision of a ‘just world’, what it looks like, the components and how we can help Ukraine achieve that,” Kirby said.
At the same time, the White House said in a statement that Washington no longer sees any opportunity for a diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian conflict “on fair terms”.
At the same time, according to Kirby, Biden does not intend to “push or push” Zelensky into negotiations. On the contrary, the US President considers it necessary to “guarantee the best possible position on the front, so that when the time comes, Kyiv will take the best position at the negotiating table.”
Psaki’s opinion
Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Twitter that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington amid waning US support for Ukraine.
“He wouldn’t have made this trip if U.S. support hadn’t been dwindling as the Russians destroyed power supplies and bombed cities,” he wrote.
According to him, Zelensky’s visit is an attempt to “sell” the Ukraine issue again to congressmen and the American people. Psaki also wrote that Zelensky will “deservely receive a standing ovation” when he appears before Congress this evening.
Kremlin position
The Russian authorities do not expect a positive change in the position of the Ukrainian authorities on negotiations with the Russian Federation after Zelensky’s visit to America. This was expressed at a briefing by the press secretary of President Dmitry Peskov.
“I don’t think so,” he said, commenting on journalists’ question about the possibility of a change in Kiev’s position.
“Arms shipments continue. The range of weapons supplied is expanding. All this, of course, leads to an intensification of the conflict and is actually not a good sign for Ukraine,” he said.
Peskov added, discussing the possibilities of a Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko, also noted that it is unlikely that Zelenskiy will initiate a dialogue with Moscow during his visit to the USA.
“New arms deliveries, a growing budget for military support to Ukraine will be discussed, and this in itself does not create preconditions for starting negotiations,” said the head of the Federation Council.
shock trip
On December 21, Politico reported that the Ukrainian president’s visit to the United States was a “shock” for US officials and lawmakers, and lobbying preparations began a few weeks ago.
“Zelensky’s visit to the United States, which was scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and address members of Congress, came as a shock to senior American officials and lawmakers alike,” the publication says.
Source: Gazeta
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.