Refinitiv Newscasts - Zelenskiy, Biden show solidarity in first wartime WH visit
22/12/2022 24:04
Click the following link to watch video: https://share.newscasts.refinitiv.com/link?entryId=1_jb07t30o&referenceId=tag:reuters.com,2022:newsml_RW827121122022RP1_K15&pageId=RefinitivNewscasts Source: Thomson Reuters Description: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Washington on Wednesday to meet President Joe Biden, address Congress and seek "weapons, weapons and more weapons" in his first overseas trip since Russia invaded Ukraine 300 days ago. Tamara Lindstrom produced this report. Short Link: https://refini.tv/3HUz29z Video Transcript: >> Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a dramatic visit to Washington on Wednesday, in his first overseas trip since Russia invaded Ukraine 300 days ago. Glad in his trademark olive green trousers and sweater, Zelenskyy was greeted at the White House by US President Joe Biden, along with first lady Jill Biden, where he met one-on-one with the president and thanked US political leaders and the American people for their extraordinary support. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Biden. Of course, thanks my bosses and support. Thanks, Congress. And thanks from just our ordinary people to your ordinary people, Americans. >> The visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine. Just ahead of Zelenskyy's arrival, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the United States would provide more military aid for Ukraine, including a Patriot air defence system to help ward off barrages of Russian missiles. The patriot missile is deemed to be one of the most advanced US air defence systems, offering protection against attacking aircraft as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. >> Script take some time to complete the necessary training, but the Patriot battery will be another critical asset for Ukraine as it defend itself against Russian aggression. >> What's going to happen after patriots are installed? After that, we will send another signal to President Biden, that we would like to get more Patriots? >> That is a lot like, we are in a war, I'm sorry. >> Zelenskyy also timed his visit as Congress advances of government funding bill that includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies, and as Republicans prepare to take control of the House of Representatives for the first time in four years. The Kremlin said on Wednesday, it's on no chance of peace talks with Kiev and that continued Western arms supplies to Ukraine would lead to a deepening of the conflict. In recent weeks, Ukraine has come under repeated Russian missile and drone strikes targeting its energy infrastructure, leaving millions of people without electricity or running water in the dead of a freezing winter. As Ukraine prepares to enter a second year of war, as Zelenskyy aids at the highly symbolic trip to America's capital, show the deep trust between Kiev and Washington and hoped it would disprove any Russian suggestions that the US-Ukrainian relations are cooling. >> The American people, I'm with you every step of the way, and we will stay with you for as long as it takes