Zelenskyy Makes Historic Visit to Washington

President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the South Portico of the White House on December 21, 2022 (Olivia Pasquale/AKSM Photography).

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the United States’ cooperation in their support of Ukraine, and urged Congress and American families to continue their support and aid in this war.

Article by Cate McCusker, Senior White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON - In a dramatic display of the two nations’ united front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited US President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday afternoon before addressing Congress that evening. 

Zelenskyy’s trip comes at a crucial time for his country, as the US Congress is debating a $1.7 trillion spending bill, which includes $45 billion in aid for Ukraine.

In his military green shirt, Zelenskyy arrived at the South Lawn around 2 p.m. this afternoon and was greeted by Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

This trip to Washington is Zelenskyy’s first out of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February. According to US officials, Zelenskyy took a train to Poland before boarding an American military aircraft which brought him to DC.

After his arrival at the White House, Biden and Zelenskyy met in the Oval Office. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Biden and his work to help Ukraine, while Biden explained that “the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world.”

Zelenskyy also gave Biden the Ukrainian Medal of Merit, which was given to him by a military captain.

“He said give it to a very brave president,” Zelenskyy said. “And I want to give you that.”

The pair then held a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House, where Biden explained that it was “particularly meaningful” to speak to Zelenskyy in person and “look each other in the eye.”

Later on Wednesday evening, Zelenskyy addressed a joint session of Congress, the first time a wartime leader has addressed Congress since Winston Churchill spoke in 1941 during World War II.

He urged Congress and American families to continue their support and aid in this war.

"It is in your power really to help us bring to justice everyone who started this unprovoked and criminal war,” he said. “Let's do it."

He also stressed the importance of stopping Russia before they do this to someone else.

“It’s just a matter of time before they will strike your other allies if we do not stop them now,” he said. “Your money is not charity, it is an investment in global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way. Let the world see that the United States is here.”

Zelenskyy repeatedly referenced events in American history, including the Battle of Saratoga, which turned the tide of the American Revolution, and the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive during WWII in which American soldiers held off Nazi forces.

"Brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin's forces this Christmas," he said. "Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender."

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the cooperation between both Democrats and Republicans in their support of Ukraine, and congressional Democrats and Republicans maintained that united front during this speech, as politicians from both parties repeatedly stood and applauded for Zelenskyy.

Some Republicans, however, oppose providing additional aid for Ukraine, including Florida representative Matt Gaetz and Colorado representative Lauren Boebert, who “stood but did not appear to applaud,” according to CBS News.

Before ending his speech, Zelenskyy wished everyone a merry Christmas and, looking ahead to next year, a “happy victorious new year.”