Zelensky on his way to Washington in first trip outside of Ukraine since start of war!
Washington DC - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Washington on Wednesday, in his first trip abroad since the beginning of Russia's invasion of his country, the White House has confirmed.
President Joe Biden "looks forward to welcoming" President Zelensky at the White House, after which Zelensky will address a joint session of Congress, "demonstrating the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine," the White House said in a statement.
Zelensky also confirmed the trip with a tweet published at the same time as the White House statement.
"On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of [Ukraine]," Zelensky wrote, adding that his discussions with Biden will include a focus on bilateral cooperation.
"I will also have a speech at the Congress and a number of bilateral meetings," the Ukrainian leader added.
New Ukraine aid package expected to contain Patriot missile defense system
During the visit, Biden will "announce a significant new package of security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression," per the White House.
The package will contain the Patriot missile defense system, the official said, calling the system "a very important new capability ... which will be a critical asset to defend the Ukrainian people against Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure."
The official said that the US was set to train Ukrainian forces on how to operate the system "in a third country."
On Tuesday, Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress also agreed on a $1.7-trillion funding bill, which among other things provides for $44.9 billion in aid for Ukraine. The US Senate and the House of Representatives still have to vote on the bill.
The Patriot system would reshuffle some of the cards in Ukraine's defensive posture. The system can defend against aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, or missiles, even those launched from great distances.
Russia warned the US last week against supplying the Patriot system to Ukraine. Like other heavy weapons, these would become "legitimate priority targets" for Russian forces, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
Russia fires warning at Ukraine and US
The Kremlin warned on Wednesday that Zelensky's trip will "only lead to an escalation of the conflict," and denounced the Patriot plans.
"Arms deliveries are still under way and the range of weapons is broadening. This certainly leads to an escalation of the conflict and does not bode well for Ukraine."
With more and more advanced weapons systems being sent, he noted that Zelensky is likely to be even less open to starting peace talks with Russia after his meeting with the US president.
Washington has already supplied Kyiv with HIMARS rocket artillery and NASAMS ground-based air defense systems, among other military aid.
Zelensky has not left Ukraine since February 24, when Russian troops began invading the country. Instead, he has been attending a range of summits via videolink, or conducting phone calls with world leaders.
Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS & via REUTERS