Volodymyr Zelenskyy heads to US for first overseas visit since Russia invaded Ukraine

21 December 2022, 08:02 | Updated: 21 December 2022, 08:12

President Zelenskyy is on his way to the US
President Zelenskyy is on his way to the US. Picture: Getty

By Kit Heren

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on his way to the US to meet Joe Biden, in his first trip abroad since Russia's invasion in February.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The US is expected to announce further support for Ukraine, including more surface-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs for fighter jets, as part of an overall £1.5 billion aid package.

A spokesperson for Mr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday morning that the president "will discuss comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, in particular with regard to strengthening the resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and restoring territorial integrity."

He is also expected to make a speech to Congress, as politicians debate a much larger aid package.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the US after travelling to Bakhmut
Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the US after travelling to Bakhmut. Picture: Getty

Mr Zelenskyy headed abroad after making a dangerous trip on Tuesday to what he called the hottest spot on the 800-mile front line of the conflict, the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's contested Donetsk province.

He praised Ukrainian troops for their "courage, resilience and strength" as artillery boomed in the background.

Read more: Russia launches 'massive' missile attack on multiple cities across Ukraine

Read more: Putin under pressure over Ukraine war disaster as Kremlin scraps New Year’s press conference

In a statement on Tuesday night, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Mr Biden looks forward to the visit and that the address to Congress will demonstrate "the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine".

Edward Lucas says the West's efforts to help Ukraine has been a 'huge' failure from the start.

"The visit will underscore the United States' steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes, including through the provision of economic, humanitarian, and military assistance," she said.

It comes after ten months of a brutal war that has seen tens of thousands killed and wounded on both sides, along with devastation for Ukrainian civilians.

Russia has been bombarding Kyiv and other major cities in recent weeks, destroying key infrastructure and depriving many of electricity for days at a time.

Ukrainian soldiers on the Donetsk front on Tuesday
Ukrainian soldiers on the Donetsk front on Tuesday. Picture: Getty
A soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces crosses the river on a destroyed bridge
A soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces crosses the river on a destroyed bridge. Picture: Getty
A house hit by an artillery shell burns amid artillery fights in Bakhmut
A house hit by an artillery shell burns amid artillery fights in Bakhmut. Picture: Getty

US politicians are set to vote on a year-end spending package that includes about 45 billion dollars £36.9 billion in emergency help to Ukraine.

This would be the biggest American aid package yet to Ukraine - even more than Mr Biden's £30.4 billion emergency request - and is meant to ensure that support flows to the war effort for months to come.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

US President Donald Trump speaks from the Oval Office of the White House

Trump told hold talks with Putin on Tuesday as White House pushes for end to Ukraine war

Technology firms must tackle illegal content on their platforms under new rules, but there are concerns that the changes are too weak.

New Ofcom powers for online safety come into force as charities warn of 'major gaps' in legislation

The rebels on Sunday claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone.

US fights off Houthi drone attacks on aircraft carrier after Trump ramps up strikes on Yemen

Jack Draper of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark to win the Men's Singles Final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025

Britain’s Jack Draper wins Indian Wells Open after beating Holger Rune in biggest title of his career

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

20 arrested including government officials after 59 killed in North Macedonia night club fire

Alton Towers' latest attraction, Toxicator, was forced to close on its opening day after a burst pipe caused a leak of brown liquid.

‘Nightmare day’ - New Alton Towers attraction ‘Toxicator’ forced to close on opening day after burst pipe

People sit on deckchairs on brown-coloured dry grass, in the sunshine in Hyde Park in central London

Parts of UK to be hotter than Ibiza and Corfu next week as first day of spring looms

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring the second goal during the Carabao Cup Final match between Liverpool vs Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, London.

Newcastle crowned Carabao Cup winners, taking home first major trophy in 70 years

Kanye West, left, and Kim Kardashian attend the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards on Nov. 6, 2019, in New York.

‘You’re going to have to kill me’ - Kanye leaks chilling texts with Kim after involving daughter in Diddy scandal

Pilot Mike Beaton was sacked for snorting cocaine off a passengers breasts in 2023.

British Airways pilot back in the skies after snorting drugs off woman's breasts before flight

Iran has denied backing Yemen's Houthis after the US launched airstrikes in the country's capital and Donald Trump promised to 'hold Iran accountable' for allegedly supporting the rebels.

Iran denies aiding Houthi rebels after US strikes Yemen and Trump threatens to hold Tehran 'fully accountable'

MP Rosie Duffield claimed she was 'single-handedly bullied' out of the Labour party by 'millionaire barrister' Sir Keir Starmer.

Former Labour MP claims she was 'bullied out of the party' by 'millionaire' Starmer amid 'anti-sleaze' row

Pope Francesco greets the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

Pope facing 'period of trial' as Pontif issues Sunday prayer from hospital

Former advisor to President Putin told LBC ‘Ukrainians will be thankful after we liberate them'.

Putin ally suggests Ukrainians should be 'thankful' nation is being 'bombed to bits'

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

Arrest warrants issued for four people as North Macedonia nightclub fire death toll rises to 59

Newcombe Road, Coventry.

One man dead and another left with 'potentially life-changing facial injuries' following Coventry double stabbing