Watch: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Biden hold a news conference

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress Wednesday in his first trip outside his country since Russia began its violent invasion of Ukraine in February.

Biden invited Zelenskyy to Washington to reinforce the U.S. "stands with Ukraine for as long as it takes," according to a senior Biden administration official who discussed the trip on the condition of anonymity.

During their meeting, Biden will commit $2 billion in additional U.S. security assistance to send Patriot antimissile batteries to Ukraine amid the bombardment of cities by Russian missiles and drones.

Zelenskyy's joint address to Congress, set for later in the evening, comes as lawmakers prepare to vote on an additional $45 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine. The U.S. has provided about $68 billion in military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since violence between it and Russia renewed.

» USA TODAY delivers current local and national news, sports, entertainment, finance, technology, and more through award-winning journalism, photos, videos and VR.

#Ukraine #Biden #Live

[someonesomeone]

long-range defenses instead of medium-range defenses that are stationed at the ukrainian-russian borders, and patriot systems are stationed at the polish-ukrainian borders. they are used only when the ukrainian army needs to use them until the russian army is expelled. the use of thermal scanning devices to know the presence of any person or object in the area and the presence of snipers with the request to identify itself not to use the patriot system against russian territory.

[newportislandjim]

“One of the best Congressional speeches” by Ukrainian President Zelensky. (Summary)
Dear Americans, all those who value freedom and justice, who cherish it as strongly as Ukrainians, I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart. We have no fear, nor should anyone in the world have fear. Ukrainians gained this victory, and it gave us courage which inspires the entire world. Americans gained this victory. You united the global community to protect freedom and international law. The battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians but for any other nation which Russia attempts to conquer. This struggle will define what world our children and grandchildren will live in. Our two nations are allies in this battle. Russians have a significant advantage in artillery, ammunition, missiles and planes. But our defense forces stand just like the brave American soldiers who fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944. We have artillery, yes. Thank you. Is it enough? Honestly, not really. When Russia cannot reach our cities with its artillery, it tries to destroy them with missile attacks. If your Patriot (missiles) stop the Russian terror against our cities, it will let Ukrainian patriots work to defend our freedom. It is just a matter of time when Russia will strike against your other allies if we do not stop them now. Ukraine never asked the American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us. I assure you Ukrainian soldiers can operate American tanks and planes themselves. Financial assistance is critically important. Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in global security and democracy. Together our victory will prove to any potential aggressor that no one can succeed in breaking national borders, no one can commit atrocities and reign over people against their will. The restoration of international legal order is our joint task. It is in your power to help us bring to justice those who started this war. Let’s do it. In two days we will celebrate Christmas, maybe candlelit because there will not be electricity, heat or running water because of Russian attacks. Your well-being is the product of your national security; the result of your struggle for independence and your many victories. We will also go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success. We’ll celebrate Christmas. If there is no electricity, the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out. If Russian missiles attack us, we’ll do our best to protect ourselves. We will go to bomb shelters on Christmas Eve, and we will still sit down at the holiday table and cheer up each other because we know that all of us wish the same: Victory. With you we built a strong Ukraine with strong people, a strong army, and strong institutions.. And together with you, we’ll put in their place everyone who will defy freedom. Now, on this special Christmastime, I want to thank all of you, every American family that cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people. So much in the world depends on you. We stand, we fight and we will win because we are united — Ukraine, America and the entire free world. Thank you and may God protect our brave troops and citizens, and may God forever bless the United States of America. Merry Christmas and a happy, victorious New Year.

[terrylawrence]

RESPECT TO BOTH PRESIDENT 🤗💔✌️🤝🙏 Zelenskyy and Biden.. kindest regards God Bless 🌏✡️☯️🕉☮️

[irynashulga]

I am Ukrainian who is living and working in US. And I 'm proud of Ukraine and US as democracies that defense peace and future of our planet.

[sivasangari]

Usa please help I want freedom tamilnadu indian nation more you told my freedom

[MegaJohnny]

No more money, Ukraine has been getting money for a long time, they knew this would happen, instead money is missing and they have no military, , sorry enough is enough