US

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed he is on his way to the United States to meet President Joe Biden.

The trip marks the first time the Ukrainian president has left Ukraine since Russia invaded on 24 February.

Writing on Twitter, Mr Zelenskyy said he was on his way to the US to “strengthen resilience and defence capabilities”.

He said he would discuss cooperation between the US and Ukraine, adding: “I will also have a speech at the Congress and a number of bilateral meetings.”

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A senior US official said that Mr Zelenskyy will meet Mr Biden, his national security team and congressional leaders today.

Mr Biden’s message to Mr Zelenskyy will be that “we will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes”, the official added.

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US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier said there would be a session of Congress on Wednesday evening which would have a “very special focus on democracy”.

US politicians are set to vote on a year-end spending package, including around $45bn (£37bn) in emergency assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile the US is preparing to send Patriot surface-to-air missiles to aid the country in repelling Russia’s invasion.

The funding would be the biggest American infusion of assistance yet to Ukraine, surpassing President Biden’s $37bn (£30bn) emergency request and will ensure funding flows to the war effort for months to come.

Mr Zelenskyy has addressed various parliaments and international organisations by video throughout Russia’s invasion and has sent his wife to foreign capitals to call for support.

A highly symbolic trip to seal the deal on prolonged support

There’s the symbolism, and more.

Consider the images of a Ukrainian president with the freedom to travel, to address influential friends on Capitol Hill, and to shake hands on a deal for prolonged support and state-of-the-art weaponry.

It will be the picture to celebrate Ukrainian resilience and cement US backing. And for two presidents touching base, it’s timely.

Both will have noted the US lobby is against prolonging support for Ukraine.

Opinion polls indicate growing scepticism, articulated out loud by some figures in a Republican Party that will control the House of Representatives in the New Year.

This Biden-Zelenskyy meeting and the deal it seals pre-empts political complications that neither man wants.

Mr Biden’s big sell is in the long-term strategic benefit of a weakened Russia and a United States strengthened by leadership.

He is also invested in any future peace deal being done on terms favourable to the Ukrainian side, his side in this conflict.

When Mr Biden meets Mr Zelenskyy, they will talk big money for a high-stakes investment.

A surprise visit to troops on the frontline

It comes after Mr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to troops in the frontline city of Bakhmut in Ukraine’s contested Donetsk province.

Visiting the scene of some of the most intense combat since Russia invaded Ukraine, Mr Zelenskyy praised his troops’ “courage, resilience and strength”.

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Zelenskyy says he believes Russia must be held accountable

In a video released by his office, Mr Zelenskyy was handed a Ukrainian flag and hinted at delivering it to US leaders.

“The guys handed over our beautiful Ukrainian flag with their signatures for us to pass on,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

“We are not in an easy situation. The enemy is increasing its army, and our people are braver and need more powerful weapons. We will pass it on from the boys to the Congress, to the president of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but it is not enough. It is a hint – it is not enough.”

This article was originally published by Sky.com. Read the original article here.