White House: "Zelensky to Visit US on 21st... Summit Meeting with Biden"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yoo-jin] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Washington DC for a one-day schedule on the 21st (local time) and hold a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, the White House officially announced. President Zelensky's visit to the U.S. was made possible by an invitation from President Biden.

At a White House briefing held at 6:40 p.m. on the 20th Eastern Time, a senior U.S. administration official stated, "President Zelensky's visit to the U.S. was discussed during a phone call between the two leaders on the 11th, and was finalized three days ago on the 18th through an official invitation on the 14th."

The official added, "President Zelensky is scheduled to hold talks with President Biden at the White House, followed by a joint press conference. He will then visit the U.S. Congress to deliver a joint address to both the House and Senate, appealing for bipartisan and sustained support for Ukraine."

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Biden administration has provided military aid worth $20 billion, but there is a prevailing view that support policies for Ukraine may face obstacles starting January next year when the Republicans become the majority in the House of Representatives.

The White House explained, "During tomorrow's summit, the two leaders will engage in in-depth and strategic discussions on the direction of the Ukraine war." It added that military aid to be provided to Ukraine by the U.S. and its allies, sanctions against Russia, and humanitarian support in the economic and energy sectors will be topics of discussion.

The White House said it will disclose detailed schedules later and explained that President Zelensky's visit to the U.S. will be conducted as a one-day event on the 21st.

This is the first time President Zelensky has visited another country since Russia invaded Ukraine. It is also his first visit to the U.S. since President Biden took office. The White House emphasized the significance of this visit, noting that it takes place exactly 300 days after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

President Biden is also expected to announce a new $2 billion military aid plan for Ukraine during this summit, including the Patriot missile defense system.

The White House explained, "This aid is expected to include providing training for the Ukrainian military to operate Patriot missiles in a third country," adding, "The Patriot will be a critical asset to defend the Ukrainian people from Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine's vital infrastructure."

The Patriot is a surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept short-range ballistic missiles, advanced aircraft, and cruise missiles. This is the first time the U.S. government is providing Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

The White House emphasized that support for advanced surface-to-air missile systems such as NASAMS, high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), Stinger surface-to-air missiles, and high-performance drones, which have been provided so far, will continue.

Ukraine has requested advanced long-range air defense systems from the U.S. in response to Russia's concentrated attacks on its energy infrastructure with missiles and suicide drones since October.

Earlier, major U.S. media reported that the U.S. government has decided to provide the most advanced weapon it has supplied to Ukraine so far, the Patriot missile system, and is finalizing related procedures. The Patriot system is expected to be sent to Ukraine within days once it receives final approval through the signatures of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and President Biden.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.