It is his first official foreign visit since the start of the war: Ukrainian President Selensky paid a surprise visit to the United States on Wednesday.
Ukrainian and American flags are being hung along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington in preparation for Zelensky’s visit.
After landing at Joint Base Andrews military airport, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is driven to the White House.
There he is welcomed by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
While Biden dressed in a suit as usual, Zelenskyj stayed true to his style and wore a green army jersey with matching pants.
Then they walk through the colonnade of the White House…
…and go to the Oval Office.
There, Selenskyj Biden presents the medal of a Ukrainian soldier. He wants to give Biden something of a man who is truly a hero.
Biden appreciated the gesture. A conversation behind closed doors ensues before…
…the two address the press together in the East Room of the White House.
There, Selenskyj thanks Biden for his support. The US had become true partners and allies.
Biden confirms that, he sees no reason to believe his country’s support will wane. He would also do anything to ensure Ukraine’s success.
After the press conference, Zelenskyi will meet with Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. She thanked him for honoring her with his presence.
Selenskyj also felt honored and announced that he would give a speech to all Americans the night before the US Congress.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi take their seats in Congress before Zelensky arrives.
This is then received with great cheer.
Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi are also visibly happy.
In the congress he found haunting words: “The battle will determine the world in which our children and grandchildren will live, and then their children and grandchildren”.
After his speech, which was repeatedly interrupted by applause, Nancy Pelosi presented him with an American flag that flew on the Capitol in Washington.
More about Zelenskyj’s visit:
Selenskyj did not come empty-handed either: he presented the two women with a Ukrainian flag from the eastern Ukrainian frontline city of Bakhmut.
The flag was signed by the frontline soldiers stationed there, who thanked for the support of the US.
After finishing his speech, which has been classified as historic, he again leaves the congress to applause.
(Sat)