On December 21, 2022, US President Joe Biden and President Zelensky of Ukraine held a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC.
After flying to Washington on his first international trip since Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian President Zelensky praised US for the assistance and received assurances of more, including new missile defense systems.
As President Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet outside the White House, tenderly placing his hand over the combat leader’s shoulder, Zelensky maintained his signature military fatigues rather than donning a suit.
As they sat in the Oval Office beside the fireplace, Biden informed Zelensky, “We’re going to keep enhancing Ukraine’s capacity to protect itself, particularly air defense.”
The world continues to be inspired by the Ukrainian people, despite President Vladimir Putin’s attempts to “exploit cold as a weapon,” according to Biden.
“I mean that sincerely — not just inspire us but inspire the world with their courage and how they have chosen their resilience and resolve for their future,” Biden said.
President Zelensky will later give a speech to Congress, which is finalizing a new $45 billion package for Ukraine heading into the new year. His media savvy and tough demeanor have helped him galvanize the world to support Ukraine’s cause.
- “Huge support” – President Zelensky hailed Biden for his “big support and leadership across Europe” at the White House.
President Zelensky said in English, “I think it’s really tough to explain what does it mean when we say appreciate but you actually have to feel it.
After a perilous trip to the frontline in Bakhmut, where both sides have suffered greatly from continuous firing and shelling over the previous two months, he took a flight to the United States.
Biden was given an award by Zelensky that he claimed was given to him by a “genuine hero” — the captain of a HIMARS rocket system that had changed the playing field.
Zelensky stated, “He’s really brave and he said, give it to very brave president.”
The tour of Zelensky was compared by lawmakers to Winston Churchill’s 1941 Christmas address in the Capitol, which took place just days after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the United States into World War II.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a supporter of Ukraine, stated, “It is particularly painful for me to be present when another great leader addresses the Congress in a time of conflict — and with democracy itself on the line.”
A further $1.85 billion from already allocated money was announced by the US as Zelensky arrived, including for the first time the cutting-edge Patriot air defense system, which can take down cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles.
As the nation trembles in the bitter cold of winter, Ukraine anticipates an increasing barrage of missile attacks and has experienced a wave of drone attacks, many of which Russia bought from Iran.
New weapons supply, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, will “aggravate the situation” and are “not good for Ukraine,” he said on Wednesday.
President Vladimir Putin asserted during a televised address that Moscow was not to culpable for the invasion while speaking with senior military personnel.
