Volodymyr Zelensky announced his trip on Twitter, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The Ukrainian president said: “"On my way to the United States to strengthen resilience and defence capabilities of Ukraine."
He added: "In particular the US President and I will discuss cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. I will also have a speech at Congress and a number of bilateral meetings."
The surprise visit was organised by American and Ukrainian officials over the past 10 days, and is designed to demonstrate America’s continued commitment to Ukraine, US broadcaster CNN reported, citing senior White House sources.
US President Joe Biden “will reinforce the fundamental message on this trip to President Zelensky directly – to the Ukrainian people, the American people and the world publicly – that the United States will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” a senior US presidential official said, as quoted by CNN.
White House confirms Zelensky’s visit
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has issued a statement confirming Zelensky’s imminent visit.
Jean-Pierre said: “President Biden has invited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to visit Washington D.C. to underscore the United States’ enduring commitment to Ukraine. President Biden looks forward to welcoming President Zelenskyy tomorrow, December 21, at the White House, after which President Zelenskyy will address a joint session of Congress, demonstrating the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine.”
The statement added: “Three hundred days ago, Russia launched a brutal assault against Ukraine. In response, President Biden rallied the world to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
'A significant new package of security assistance'
Jean-Pierre further said that “during the visit, President Biden will announce a significant new package of security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. The visit will underscore the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes, including through the provision of economic, humanitarian, and military assistance.”
A US official quoted by the PAP news agency said Washington would announce USD 2 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine that will include a battery of the Patriot air defence system.
Meanwhile, American lawmakers were set to vote during Zelensky’s visit on a new budget containing USD 45 billion in additional assistance to Ukraine and NATO, news outlets reported.
Wednesday’s surprise trip to Washington marks the first time Zelensky left his country on a foreign visit since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the PAP news agency reported.
Wednesday is day 301 of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, CNN, The Guardian, whitehouse.gov