US President Joe Biden has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a meeting at the White House on December 12 to discuss the war against Russia and the “vital importance” of continued US support for Ukraine’s defense efforts, Reuters reports.

The White House said they will discuss Ukraine’s “urgent needs” and it comes as the White House tries to reach an agreement with the US Congress on military aid to Ukraine and Israel.

Zelenskyi will arrive in Washington on Monday and meet with Biden during a working visit that will include “a series of meetings and discussions,” the Office of the President of Ukraine said in a Telegram message.

Key topics during Zelenskyi’s visit will be defense cooperation between the United States and Ukraine, “in particular through joint projects for the production of weapons and air defense systems, as well as coordination of efforts between our countries in the coming year,” the office said. to Zelensky.

Zelenskyi’s visit is taking place at a critical moment in the negotiations in Congress regarding emergency aid to Ukraine. According to News.ro, Congress appears to be no closer to a deal that would tie changes to immigration and border policies to an emergency aid package that would provide funds to Ukraine and Israel before lawmakers leave town for the holidays.

The purpose of the meeting is to “underline the unwavering commitment of the United States to support the Ukrainian people who are defending themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion,” White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

“As Russia escalates its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of continued U.S. support at this critical time,” she said.