US President Joe Biden will meet Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on September 26, the White House has announced. Zelensky will also meet US Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the meeting, the leaders will discuss the state of war between Russia and Ukraine, including Kiev’s strategic plan and US support for defending Ukraine against Russia during the ongoing war.
“On Thursday, September 26, President Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Vice President Harris will also meet separately with President Zelenskyy at the White House,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
“The leaders will discuss the state of war between Russia and Ukraine, including Ukraine’s strategic plan and US support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. The President and Vice President will reiterate their unwavering commitment to stand with Ukraine until it wins this war,” he said.
During his meeting with Biden, Zelensky will present Ukraine’s Victory Plan. The Ukrainian President hopes to discuss the details of this plan and US support for Ukraine’s right to independence. He will address the United Nations General Assembly and meet world leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA.
“Next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the United States. The Ukrainian President will address the United Nations General Assembly and meet with representatives of US defense and energy companies and the Ukrainian community. The head of state will hold bilateral talks with leaders of countries and international organizations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly,” the Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement.
It said, “Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with US President Joe Biden to present the Victory Plan. The Ukrainian President will discuss the details of this plan as well as the United States’ support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”
During his visit, the Ukrainian President will meet US Congress representatives from both parties and former US President Donald Trump.
It is worth noting that the US has been providing aid to Ukraine since the war with Russia began in 2022. The US has also imposed sanctions on Russia.
Earlier this month, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden would meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky this month, and that Washington was preparing a “substantial” round of further aid to Kyiv.
“I think we need a comprehensive strategy to succeed in this war, and President Zelenskyy says he’s bringing it,” Sullivan said.
Notably, Sullivan made his remarks via video link at the Yalta European Strategy Conference in Kyiv, Al Jazeera reports.
“So we’re very eager to sit down and talk about this, and President Biden is looking forward to having that conversation,” he said.
Sullivan said recent events in the region are of “unique concern.” Furthermore, the White House adviser said Biden is striving to put Ukraine “in the best position possible” in the remaining months of his term, Al Jazeera reported. Notably, Biden is not running for re-election and his term ends in January.
“President Zelenskyy has said that ultimately this war must end through negotiations, and we need his strength in those negotiations,” he said.
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