DLNews JTFMax:

Zelenskyy close to tears - US President clearly: "Putin will lose"

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (44) has left his country for the first time since the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine started.

On Wednesday afternoon (local time), Zelenskyy landed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington. US President Joe Biden (80) welcomed him to the White House with an emotional greeting – he wore a tie in the national colors of Ukraine.

"First of all, thank you," Zelenskyy said. "It's a great honor to be here." "I'm in Washington today to thank the American people, the President, and Congress for their much-needed support," Zelenskyy wrote on Instagram after landing in the United States.

Joint press conference after several hours of talks in the White House: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj (left) and US President Joe Biden

"Unbreakable determination of the Ukrainian people"

After more than two hours of talks, Zelenskyy and Biden appeared before the press. Both were determined to win the war.

Biden clearly: "You will never stand alone." The US, Democrats, and Republicans are behind Ukraine, assured the US President. Moreover, the United States is ready to support Ukraine "through 2023".

President Biden admired "the steel backbone and unbreakable determination of the Ukrainian people" at the press conference. At the same time, the American people are ready "to fight back against bullies. They are ready to stand up for freedom," Biden continued. But, unfortunately, Putin has no intention of "ending this cruel war." "The American people have been with you every step of the way, and we will stand by you for as long as is necessary," Biden concluded.

Biden's promise to the world "Putin will lose"

The Ukrainian President stated: "We have become real partners." His main concern is the "strengthening of Ukraine."

Zelenskyy is emotional, fighting back the tears at times: "There can be no just peace for those who forced this war on us." And further: "For me, just peace does not mean compromising my country's sovereignty, freedom, and territorial integrity, repairing all damage caused by Russia's aggression."

︎ "The United States will help us defend our values," said the Ukrainian President in the White House. “We fight for our common victory. Against this tyranny... And we will win."

US President Biden is also confident, promising the world: "Putin will lose."

A Zelenskyy gift to Biden

At the beginning of the visit to the White House, Zelenskyy presented the US President with a medal of a Ukrainian soldier from the heavily contested Bakhmut. I want to give you something from a man who is truly a hero," Ukraine's President said to Biden in the Oval Office, handing him the medal. "He's very brave and said to pass it on to a courageous president."

Zelenskyy (left) presented US President Joe Biden with the medal of a Ukrainian soldier

Zelenskyy's speech to the US Congress

On Wednesday evening (in a few hours), the President of Ukraine will give a speech to the US Congress.

Zelenskyy said in the White House that he would have liked to visit the US earlier but could not. He stressed that the "war is not over yet" and that his country faces many challenges in the fight against Russia.

The US government announced on Wednesday that it will deliver the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine for the first time. Zelenskyy thanked the USA for the delivery. The Patriot system will "significantly" strengthen Ukraine's air defenses.

The system is part of the new military aid package for Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, ammunition for Himars, multiple rocket launchers, armored support vehicles, night vision goggles, and secure communications systems will also be provided.

This brings total US military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of President Joe Biden's administration in January 2021 to US$21.9 billion. "We will support Ukraine for as long as necessary to allow Kyiv to continue defending itself and to have the strongest possible position at the negotiating table when the time comes," the US State Department said.