'300 Days of Invasion' Zelensky Visits US, Begins Summit with Biden

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "It's hard to believe that 300 days have passed. (Joe Biden, President of the United States)" "The war is not over. (Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine)"

On the 300th day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky, who made a surprise visit to the United States, began a summit meeting with President Biden on the afternoon of the 21st (local time). This is the first time President Zelensky has visited a foreign country since the war began.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to US CNN and other media, after welcoming President Zelensky at the White House that day, President Biden said, "It is an honor to be on your side in the coalition against the brutal war waged by Putin (Vladimir Putin, President of Russia)," adding, "It's hard to believe that 300 days have passed since the war started." He condemned, "Russia's attacks are expanding to energy and civilian infrastructure," and said, "Putin is trying to use winter as a weapon." He reiterated that the United States, along with allies in Europe and elsewhere, will stand with Ukraine.

In his remarks in English, President Zelensky said, "Thank you for your great support and leadership. I am grateful to the bipartisan support of the US Congress and the American people," mentioning that Ukraine was able to defend itself thanks to US support. He also added, "The war is not over." At this event, President Zelensky presented President Biden with a military decoration he received from a Ukrainian captain.

The two leaders immediately began their summit meeting. Afterwards, they will hold a joint press conference from 4:30 p.m. (6:30 a.m. Korean time). Then, President Zelensky is scheduled to deliver a joint address to the US Congress at 7:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. Korean time). At this event, President Zelensky is expected to express gratitude for the US support so far and to request continued support for Ukraine.

President Zelensky, who arrived in Washington aboard a US Air Force jet, stated in a Telegram announcement earlier, "I came to Washington today to express gratitude to the American people, the President, and Congress for their support and to cooperate for victory," adding, "I will conduct a series of negotiations to strengthen Ukraine's resilience and defense capabilities." He also said, "Next year, we must return the Ukrainian flag and freedom to our entire territory and people."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

This visit took place 300 days after Russia invaded Ukraine. It is also the first time President Zelensky has visited a foreign country since the invasion. Local media noted that President Zelensky wore 'wartime attire,' including an olive-colored sweater and cargo pants. President Biden's tie featured blue and yellow stripes reminiscent of the Ukrainian flag, and First Lady Jill Biden's outfit was sky blue.

As this was the first time President Zelensky left the battlefield, his trip to the United States was carried out under extreme security and protection measures. Major foreign media reported that President Zelensky traveled by train to Poland and then boarded a US military transport plane. The transport plane carrying President Zelensky arrived around noon that day at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC. A White House official said, "The two leaders first discussed the possibility of the visit during a phone call on the 11th and only confirmed it three days ago on the 18th." President Zelensky is expected to return home immediately after his speech to the US Congress.

President Biden announced additional military aid worth $1.85 billion (approximately 2.3 trillion won) to Ukraine on the day of President Zelensky's visit, including Patriot missiles. This is the first time Patriot missiles, capable of intercepting missiles at long range, have been provided to Ukraine.

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