President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives at the White House for a meeting with US President Joe Biden amid efforts to maintain Washington's military support.
What is known about the meeting between Zelenskyy and Biden
Journalists of American TV channels and leading publications published a video of Volodymyr Zelenskyy arriving at the White House to meet with American leader Joe Biden.
It is also reported that Zelenskyy's delegation also included Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, and the Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshyn.
Following the talks, the two leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference.
According to the Presidential Administration, during his talks with Biden, Zelenskyy will focus on ensuring the unity of the US, EU and other partners in supporting Ukraine.
According to the Presidential Administration, the key topics of the talks will include the continuation of defence cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, in particular, joint projects for the production of weapons and air defence systems, as well as coordination of Zelenskyy and Biden's efforts for the next year.
At the same time, White House Press Secretary Karin Jean-Pierre noted that the two leaders will also discuss Ukraine's immediate needs and the vital continued support of the United States at this critical time.
Zelenskyy has already started talks with Biden.
What is known about Zelenskyy's meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Following a meeting between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives from the Republican Party, the head of state failed to convince the Republican congressman to support further military assistance to Ukraine.
Johnson states that a condition for the House to approve President Joe Biden's request for further military assistance to Ukraine should be a clearly articulated plan for Ukraine's path to victory in the criminal war waged by the Kremlin, as well as changes to migration legislation.
For their part, representatives of the Office of the President noted that Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Congress for its efforts and assistance to Ukraine in protecting its sovereignty and independence.
It is noted that the President of Ukraine was touched to see a reproduction of the Ukrainian Ostroh Bible in the Speaker's office. At the same time, the head of state told Johnson about the achievements of Ukraine's defenders, including the liberation of 50% of Ukrainian lands occupied by Russia, the victory of Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea, and Ukraine's great efforts to implement reforms and return our country to economic self-sufficiency in the future.
In this context, Zelenskyy noted the importance of continued US support and additional allocations for Ukraine in 2024.
The President also stressed that Ukraine is extremely responsible for US military and financial assistance, and that the Verkhovna Rada has a commission that oversees the use of military assistance. Cooperation between Ukraine and representatives of the US institutions responsible for providing assistance is also ongoing.
Zelenskyy stressed that even in the face of aggression by the Russian Federation, Ukraine continues to implement the reforms necessary to start negotiations on membership in the European Union.
