Ukraine's Zelenskiy visits Biden and US Congress

On Wednesday (21 December), President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine travelled from Kiev to meet President Joe Biden, and visit Congress. This will be his first overseas trip since the invasion by Russia on 24 February.

According to US officials, the United States will announce a package worth approximately $1.8 billion in military assistance for Ukraine.

Officials said that the package would contain Patriot missiles and aid, but that its value could change. According to one official, the package could contain guidance kits for air-launched rockets that will help Ukraine strike precise targets.

One source said that Biden and Zelenskiy were likely to meet at White House.

CNN reported Zelenskiy was on his way to Washington.

Zelenskiy’s spokesperson did not respond to a request of comment. According to his official schedule, the president was last seen leaving Ukraine for the Munich Security Conference on 19 February, according to Zelenskiy's spokesman.

A source familiar with the planning stated that his trip to the US Capitol 10 months after the start of the war would include a visit to the lawmakers.

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According to a source, security concerns could cause a change of plans.

The US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not immediately respond when we asked for comment.

Pelosi had earlier on Tuesday (20 December) written in a letter that Wednesday's session of Congress would have a "very special emphasis on democracy".

'FORTRESS BAKHMUT'

His office reported Tuesday that Zelenskiy had made an earlier surprise visit to Bakhmut on the eastern frontline, underlining Russia’s persistent but stuttering attempts to capture it.

Zelenskiy described the nightly video address as a visit to "Fortress Bakhmut", Donetsk's province Russia claimed in September. Most countries deny Russia's illegal occupation claim.

Zelenskiy, dressed in combat khaki and presenting medals to soldiers at a crumbling industrial complex, was applauded by the office.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented medals in comfort to the Kremlin to four Russian-appointed leaders from Ukraine's regions that Russia claimed it annexed after invading its neighbor.

Ukrinform TV is part of Ukraine's state media agency. This video shows servicemen in Bakhmut giving Zelenskiy a Ukrainian flag and their signatures.

Zelenskiy stated in the video that he would turn the bill over to Congress and the US president. He did not give any details. We are grateful for your support. He added that it wasn't enough.

As the battle for Bakhmut enters its fifth month, he has encouraged the troops to keep their spirits up. This battle has become a symbol of the brutality and grinding nature of war.

Bakhmut is fighting for the east, and that is why the east is holding on. Zelenskiy posted the following message on Telegram: "Freedom is being defended here for everyone, in fierce battles and at great cost to many lives."

CALL FOR HELP

After Russian drones struck energy targets, Zelenskiy repeatedly called on the West to provide more weaponry and air defense systems. This was after six days of strikes by Russian drones.

According to sources, Washington is close to finalizing plans for sending the Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. However, the Kremlin warned that US-supplied equipment could be an appropriate target for Russian strikes against Ukraine.

U.S. Senate approved a bill for government funding that included $44.9bn in assistance to Ukraine. This money could be used to replenish U.S. equipment and logistics, as well as military training and intelligence support.

Tuesday's announcement by the World Bank indicated that it approved an additional financing package totaling $610 million for Ukraine to help with urgent relief and recovery.

Kyiv has claimed it requires Western assistance to strengthen its air defenses, as Russian strikes have repeatedly shut down electricity and water supply in sub-zero winter temperatures.

Officials in Ukraine claim that Russia's bombardments and missiles are designed to undermine the will of civilians.

Premier Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukrainians should be ready for new Russian attacks on their energy infrastructure, as Russia wanted them to spend Christmas Eve and New Year in darkness.

Residents were not offered immediate relief by YASNO, the electricity supplier that covers the capital Kyiv.

Sergey Kovalenko (chief executive of YASNO), stated in a Facebook post: "We aren't even counting on a returning to scheduled disconnections," late Tuesday.

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