Latest news about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Washington:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington, D.C., this morning for a meeting with lawmakers. He then met with President Joe Biden at the White House and defense officials at the Pentagon.
- As part of the visit, Biden announced an additional Ukraine aid package valued at $325 million.
- Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan group of House members, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who said he declined Zelenskyy's request to address Congress in a joint session. He joined a meeting with around 70 senators after that.
- Earlier this week, Zelenskyy attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he appealed to world leaders to continue to aid his fight against Russia.
- The U.S. has been one of the biggest backers of the Ukrainian effort, but Republicans in Congress have begun to oppose continued assistance.
Ukrainian first lady describes nation's fight as 'spiritual battle'
Zelenskyy was joined onstage tonight by his wife, first lady Olena Zelenska, who also delivered brief remarks.
Zelenska described Ukrainian defense as "a protection of values, such as the right to life and personality."
"These are not only physical things, but also intangible values" that extend to a fight "against evil, against the worst that might be born within a human — a conscious effort to kill, destroy, grab, enslave," she said.
"Therefore it is also a spiritual battle," she added.
Zelenskyy says U.S. support has saved 'millions of Ukrainian lives'
Zelenskyy said in a speech tonight at the National Archives that support from the U.S. has "saved millions of Ukrainian lives." He recognized a 10-year-old girl who he said survived the Russian invasion of Bucha.
"Ukraine will always be grateful for this," he said.
Zelenskyy praises Ukrainian soldiers in National Archives speech
Zelenskyy praised Ukrainian soldiers in the country's battle against Russia in remarks at the National Archives tonight, saying they "hold on with the grip of a bulldog."
"Never before has the Russian leadership met such strong resistance, and never again will Russia manage to destroy any other nation," he said.
"We will do everything to ensure that our unity — the unity of Ukraine, the United States and the entire free world — becomes stronger than ever before," he added.
Biden says first Abrams tanks to arrive in Ukraine next week
Biden said in remarks alongside Zelenskyy that the first U.S. Abrams tanks would be delivered to Ukraine next week.
Biden had said in January that the U.S. would send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
Biden made the announcement as he described a new aid package that includes air defense capabilities and more artillery and ammunition.
Zelenskyy to speak at National Archives this evening
After his meeting with Biden at the White House, Zelenskyy is expected to give a speech tonight at the National Archives.
Zelenskyy had requested to address to a joint session of Congress, but Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., declined, citing what he said were time constraints given the busy legislative week and noting that Zelenskyy has previously addressed Congress.
Zelenskyy thanks Biden for latest round of aid
Zelenskyy reiterated his gratitude for Biden and the American people in their support for Ukraine in remarks at the White House.
He said Americans are “together with us, with Ukrainians, with ordinary people, all of us.”
“Thank you so much,” he added.
Zelenskyy called the discussions "very productive" and "strong."
Biden says new aid will 'help save Ukrainian lives'
Biden said at at the White House that the new aid package would "protect Ukraine, Ukraine’s grain silos, hospitals, schools and power plants. That will help save Ukrainian lives."
In his remarks with Zelenskyy after their meeting, Biden reiterated the administration's stance that "Russia alone stands in the way of peace" and expressed concern over reports of Russia’s relocating thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia.
"What they've done to your children is just — it's criminal," Biden said.
Biden announces $325 million aid package
Biden formally announced a $325 million aid package to Ukraine today.
The package includes air defense capabilities, cluster munitions, anti-tank weapons and other equipment.
Biden's announcement marks the 47th tranche of equipment to be drawn from the Pentagon's inventories in support of Ukraine since August 2021.