Zelensky will meet with the US president at the White House, and will also hold a series of other meetings and negotiations during his visit to America, the presidential office in Kyiv said.
The US trip is part of Zelensky's drive to secure "unity among the US, Europe, and the rest of the world in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression," according to officials.
The Ukrainian and US leaders will discuss "further defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United States," particularly "joint projects on the production of weapons and air defense systems," and as well as the "coordination of efforts" between the two countries in the coming year, the presidential office in Kyiv added.
Meanwhile, Biden is expected to "underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine" against the Russian invasion, as Moscow "ramps up its missile and drone strikes," the White House said.
Russia fires cruise missiles at central Ukraine
Russia's firing of at least 16 air-launched cruise missiles at Kyiv and central Ukraine on the night of December 7 represented "probably the start of a more concerted campaign by Russia aimed at degrading Ukraine’s energy infrastructure," the British Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.
Although at least one civilian was reported killed, the majority of the Russian missiles were shot down by Ukraine's air defence and the damage "appears to have been minimal," analysts in London said.
The US-based Institute for the Study of War on Sunday said it had observed "preparations for Russia’s anticipated winter strikes campaign since October 2023," including "relatively larger drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure."
Monday is day 656 of Russia's war on Ukraine.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
(pm/gs)
Source: Office of the President of Ukraine, White House, UK Ministry of Defence, ISW
