Ukraine’s Zelenskyy set to visit Washington in 1st overseas trip of war: reports – National | 24CA News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is getting ready to go to Washington on Wednesday, in line with three Associated Press sources, in his first recognized journey exterior the nation since Russia’s invasion started in February.
Two congressional sources and one particular person aware of the matter confirmed plans for the go to. They spoke on the situation of anonymity due to the extremely delicate nature of the journey. They mentioned Zelenskyy’s go to, whereas anticipated, might nonetheless be known as off on the final minute as a result of safety issues.
Reuters additionally confirmed particulars of the plans, citing a supply aware of the planning.
The go to to Washington is ready to incorporate an handle to Congress on Capitol Hill and a gathering with President Joe Biden. It comes as lawmakers are set to vote on a year-end spending package deal that features about $45 billion in emergency help to Ukraine and because the U.S. prepares to ship Patriot surface-to-air missiles to the nation to assist stave off Russia’s invasion.
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Zelenskyy visits Ukraine’s Bakhmut, website of ‘fierce battles’ with Russia
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The newest tranche of U.S. funding could be the largest American infusion of help but to Ukraine, above even Biden’s $37 billion emergency request, and would be certain that funding flows to the battle effort for months to return.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi inspired lawmakers to be available for Wednesday night’s session.
“We are ending a very special session of the 117th Congress with legislation that makes progress for the American people as well as support for our Democracy,” Pelosi wrote Tuesday in a letter to colleagues. “Please be present for a very special focus on democracy Wednesday night.”
Zelenskyy has — virtually day by day — addressed numerous parliaments and worldwide organizations by video and he has despatched his spouse to overseas capitals to drum up help. The go to comes a day after he made a daring and harmful journey to what he known as the most popular spot on the 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) entrance line, town of Bakhmut in Ukraine’s contested Donetsk province.
In a video launched by his workplace from the Bakhmut go to, Zelenskyy was handed a Ukrainian flag and alluded to delivering it to U.S. leaders.
“The guys handed over our beautiful Ukrainian flag with their signatures for us to pass on,” Zelenskyy mentioned within the video. “We are not in an easy situation. The enemy is increasing its army. 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.”
U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, informed CBS News there have been ongoing efforts to convey Zelenskiy to the Capitol on Wednesday and to have him handle Congress.
“We’d be very honored to have him visit. I’m amazed he can make it in view of the situation. It’d be a great gift to have him at the Capitol. We’re working with the leadership to be helpful. We personally understand if he cannot make it last minute,” Kaptur was quoted as saying by CBS News.
—With further information from Reuters and Global News
© 2022 The Canadian Press
