“The Americans will not leave you, we will be by your side for as long as it takes”: this is the central message that the American president sent out in his statements. Joe Bidennext to the Ukrainian president, Vladimir Zelenskyabout which he said: “It is important for people to listen to him.”

For his part, Zelensky said that a “just peace” with Russia does not mean any compromise on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Biden: You will never be alone

“President Zelensky, your leadership has inspired Ukrainians and the whole world,” Biden said, expressing his joy at meeting his counterpart in person after so many phone calls. He praised the citizens of Ukraine, noting their unparalleled courage. “You will never be alone,” he stressed, noting: “Ukraine’s struggle is part of something much bigger.”

“American citizens always stand up to bullies and stand on the side of freedom,” he said, referring to the unprecedented sanctions imposed on Russia and on military assistance to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy remained stoic and impassive during most of Biden’s initial statements, but nodded when his American counterpart mentioned Putin’s “intimidation” and the new arms package the US is providing to Ukraine.

“Patriot missiles will be important for Ukraine, but preparations will take some time,” the US president said, adding that Zelensky was ready to continue “just the world”stating that “we know that Putin is not going to stop this barbaric war.”

“I have never seen NATO and the European Union more united on any issue and I see no sign that this will change. We all know what it is about, the very idea of ​​sovereignty, the UN charter. Putin thought he would weaken NATO, instead he strengthened NATO. This has led to a more united Europe,” Biden said and added: “I feel very good about solidarity and support for Ukraine.”

Happening now: President Biden holds a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. https://t.co/6WhOYPL79t

— White House (@WhiteHouse) December 21, 2022

Zelensky: Resisting Russian Terror

“I am grateful to President Biden,” the Ukrainian president said, adding that he was looking forward to meeting members of Congress.

“President Biden has announced a new defense support package, about $2 billion, and the strongest element of this package is the Patriot anti-missile systems, which will greatly enhance our air defense to create a safe airspace for Ukraine,” he said and added: We discussed resistance to terror , which Russia sows, the destruction of our energy infrastructure – we must survive this winter. For us, this is a key humanitarian issue. We are discussing sanctions and legal pressure on the terrorist country that is Russia.”

Zelenskiy spoke in English when asked about what people want to know: “I wish you peace. I think that this is the most basic thing, and you understand this only when there is a war in your country, when people like these terrorists from Russia come to your house. And I wish you to see your children alive, growing up. And I wish you to see how your children go to universities and see how their children grow up. That’s the main thing.”

Thanking President Biden for the $45 billion in economic and military assistance that Congress is about to approve, he called the amount an “investment” that will bolster global security.

After February 24, the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Vladimir Zelensky left the country for the first time and went to the USA – one a visit full of symbolism.

wear one khaki blouse with the Ukrainian coat of arms on top and khaki trousersPresident of Ukraine arrived at 21:00 (Greek time) at the White House, where he was met at the entrance by the American President Joe Biden with his wife Jill.

The US President welcomed Zelensky, saying that “Americans proudly support Ukraine.” “First of all, thank you,” Zelenskiy said, adding: “It’s an honor to be here.” Then, awarded the military medal of his American colleague.

“You are the man of the year,” Biden told Zelensky, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “increasing his attacks on civilians” and trying to “use winter as a weapon.”

The New York Times is wondering if it will be a tedious journey, or if spending time on a U.S. presidential jet that has a cabin with a bed will be the most restful night’s sleep in a long time…

The meeting goes frame by frame

Both presidents posted messages on social media as their one-on-one meeting unfolded.

“I am in Washington today to thank the American people, the President and Congress for much needed support. And also to continue cooperation to bring our victory closer. I will conduct a series of negotiations to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and defense capability. In particular, we will discuss bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the United States of America with the President of the United States.”

“Next year, we must restore the Ukrainian flag and freedom throughout our territory, for all our people,” he added.

Today’s visit concludes a remarkable two days in which the Ukrainian leader has traveled from the fiercest part of the eastern front line to a trip to the capital of his most powerful ally.

Mr. Zelenskiy’s first trip outside of Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February takes place in key moment of the warwhich is carried out in two directions: in the open fields of the south and east of Ukraine and to the sky over the country while Ukrainian forces attempt to shoot down Russian missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure.

With Ukraine pushing back Russian forces in the northeast and south, armies have lined up along a new front line, and Ukraine’s ability to retake the new positions will depend on more weapons from allies, including the United States.

Mr. Zelensky’s trip came one day after members of Congress proposed $44 billion for emergency assistance in Ukrainewhich would have increased total American aid during the war by more than $100 billion.

At the same time, the US will support Ukraine with another military aid package of an estimated cost. $1.85 billionas the head of American diplomacy stated, Anthony Blinken. This particular package includes the delivery of the latest Patriot missile systems to the Ukrainian armed forces, which will significantly increase their fight against the Russian occupiers.

The US Secretary of State said the military assistance package will provide the Ukrainian military with “an extensive air defense system, precision strike capability, additional munitions and critical equipment that Ukraine uses effectively for self-defense on the battlefield.”

OUR American The Senate approved the appointment of Lynn Tracy as US Ambassador to Russia. Tracy, a career diplomat and current ambassador to Armenia, will be the first woman to serve as US ambassador to Russia.