Biden bids Zelensky a “safe journey” as he departs for Washington

President Joe Biden wished Volodymyr Zelensky safe travels as he headed to the United States on Wednesday, while Vladimir Putin threatened reprisal in reaction to the United States providing the beleaguered nation with the Patriot missile defense system.

Early in the morning, Zelensky tweeted that he was leaving Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion in February. Biden responded with a welcoming message. ‘I hope you’re having a wonderful flight, Volodymyr. I am delighted to have you present. Plenty to discuss.

However, the historic visit was overshadowed by the threat of Russia, whose authorities declared they will deploy more troops to Ukraine and cautioned that the increasing U.S. military help bodes ill for the country.

Wednesday, President Joe Biden wished Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky safe travels as he goes to the United States to meet with him at the White House and address Congress.

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian minister of defense, has recommended expanding the strength of Russian military in the Ukraine from 1.15 million to 1.5 million.

Putin approved, stating, “I concur with your recommendations.”

Putin was speaking to his senior military commanders while Zelensky was his route to the United States, reiterating his conviction that Russia will achieve its aims in Ukraine and stating that the nation’s men are fighting ‘like the heroes’ of the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II.

During Zelensky’s brief, historic visit to the United States, Vice President Biden will announce the delivery of a Patriot missile system to the Ukraine, a defensive system Zelensky has long desired for his country. U.S. forces will instruct Ukrainians on how to utilize the technology in a third country.

Russia’s response was one of aggressiveness.

Dmitri Peskov, the chief spokesman for the Kremlin, stated that the delivery of the new weapon system will exacerbate the conflict and portend bad for Ukraine.

During his time in Washington, Zelensky will visit with Vice President Biden in the Oval Office, hold a press conference with President Trump, and then address a Joint Session of Congress.

Biden personally invited Zelensky to visit, according to a senior administration official on Tuesday evening.

The official stated that the Ukrainian president makes his own decisions regarding his travel based on what he believes will be most beneficial for his people.

The source emphasized that the visit will demonstrate the lasting commitment of the United States to Ukraine.

On December 11, Biden personally invited Zelensky to visit during a phone conversation. Biden hosted Zelensky at the White House in September 2021, almost five months before the Russian invasion.

According to Zelensky’s tweet, the purpose of the trip was to bolster Ukraine’s’resilience and defense capabilities’ and to discuss collaboration between Ukraine and the United States with Vice President Biden.

Polish network TVN24 said that Zelensky entered Poland early Wednesday morning to begin his quest.

Associated Press claimed that station footage appeared to show Zelensky arriving at a train station and being taken to a motorcade.

TVN24 reported that the footage, which was partially pixelated for security reasons, was captured Wednesday morning in Przemysl, a Polish border town where many migrants escaping the fighting have arrived.

The White House collaborated with Ukraine on security plans for Zelensky’s trip and confirmed that they were aware of the danger of Russian action during his absence.

The official White House invitation was issued last Wednesday, and Zelensky accepted it last Friday. The White House then notified Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose staff subsequently asked Zelensky to address a joint session of Congress.

Unlike other G7 leaders, Biden has not visited the Ukraine during the Russian onslaught. The security procedures prohibit the American president from traveling. Biden did travel to the Polish border region, where he met Ukrainian refugees.

The senior administration official admitted that the upcoming winter will be difficult for the Ukraine, but stated that the United States will support the country.

“We are aware that the conflict will continue in the days ahead.” The winter will be harsh, and we will continue to give crucial aid to the Ukrainian people on a daily basis,’ the official said.

The timing of Zelensky’s visit coincides with the impending passage of a federal budget for the following year that includes $44.9 billion for the Ukraine – the largest sum to date and significantly more than the $37 billion requested by President Joe Biden.

The action ensures that funds will continue to flow to the beleaguered nation for the foreseeable future, despite uncertainty regarding whether Republicans, who will assume control of the House on January 3, would maintain financial support.

President Putin of Russia has pledged vengeance against the United States for providing the Ukraine with the Patriot missile defense system.

Patriot Missile is widely regarded as one of the most effective and competent systems for defending airspace against incoming threats; Zelensky has long coveted it for his nation.

The last time Zelensky visited the United States was in September 2021, when he met with President Biden in the Oval Office approximately five months prior to the Russian invasion.

Some Republicans are hesitant to continue providing Ukraine with military help and sanctions against Russia.

However, the White House has denied that the visit is aimed at arm-twisting Republicans, despite the fact that Congress will vote on the funding legislation later this week.

This is not about communicating with a specific political party. This is about sending a message to Putin and the world that the United States will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes,’ a senior administration source explained.

Pelosi told reporters on Tuesday that she did not assume the next Republican majority would be less supportive.

She answered, “I don’t know if that’s the case.”

“I feel very strongly about the bipartisan support – that does not always mean unanimous, but it does mean strong”

Zelensky has long desired the Patriot missile defense system, which would assist his troops in fending off Russian attacks that have devastated a significant portion of its infrastructure.

The Patriot Missile System is widely regarded as one of the best and most effective airspace defense systems. Due to its extensive range, it has the potential to intercept Russian missiles far from their intended targets in Ukraine.

However, it is a complex system that requires dozens of people to operate and typically months to train workers to utilize. According to reports, U.S. officials would train Ukrainian service members in Germany.

Given the lengthy training period and the intricate logistics involved in shipping the sensitive equipment, it is uncertain when the missile system will be deployed in Ukraine.

The modern weapons is intended to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to the Ukraine, despite the fact that authorities understand the war is unlikely to end soon.

The administration is expected to announce approximately $800 million in funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and $1 billion in weapons from Pentagon stocks on Wednesday.

In May, Pelosi visited Zelensky in the Ukraine, where he presented her with the Order of Princess Olga.

Tuesday, Zelensky met with military leaders and presented honors to Ukrainian soldiers who have repelled a violent, months-long Russian assault on the city.

In a video published by his office during his visit to Bakhmut, Zelensky is shown receiving a Ukrainian flag and alluding to giving it to U.S. officials.

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian president visited the eastern frontline city of Bakhmut, which has become the epicenter of battle during Russia’s nearly 10-month invasion of Ukraine.

Zelensky met with military leaders and presented honors to Ukrainian servicemen who have repelled a ferocious and protracted Russian assault on the city for months.

In a video produced by his office during his visit to Bakhmut, Zelensky is shown receiving a Ukrainian flag and alluding to presenting it to U.S. leaders.

In the video, he added, “The guys handed over our lovely Ukrainian flag with their signatures for us to pass on.” We are in a difficult predicament. The adversary is expanding its army, while our people are becoming more courageous and require more potent weaponry. We will deliver the message from the lads to Congress and the President of the United States. We appreciate their assistance, but it is insufficient. It is a suggestion, but it is insufficient.