Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the
United States to meet with President Joe Biden and deliver an address to
Congress on his first trip outside Ukraine since Russia invaded in February.

This trip is Zelensky’s first known trip outside his
country since the Russian invasion started in February this year. Biden rolled out the
red carpet outside the White House for the arrival of the Ukrainian leader, who
was wearing an olive-green sweatshirt, cargo pants, and boots. The two leaders
are set to meet for several hours before holding a press conference at 4:30
Eastern time. They are likely to discuss the new package of military assistance
from the US of around $1.85 billion.

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After the press conference at the White House, the
Ukrainian president will address a joint meeting of Congress at 7:30 pm, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office said.

Washington is ready to greet Zelensky, who is at the White
House for a meeting with President Biden. Barricades have been installed on the
West Front of the US Capitol to limit public access to these areas. Security
forces are taking adequate measures around the United States Capitol. US and
Ukrainian flags are being flown on some buildings to mark the occasion.

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Planning for the visit was cloaked in secrecy considering
the extraordinary security concerns that come with a wartime leader traveling
outside his country.

In a short statement, posted on the messaging app Telegram,
the Ukrainian leader said he was in Washington “to thank the American
people, the president, and the Congress for their much-needed support”.

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“Next year, we must return the Ukrainian flag and freedom
to our entire land, to all our people,” he added. Zelensky said he would be
holding talks to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities The message was
accompanied by images of Zelensky disembarking from his flight and meeting US
officials.