Guwahati: According to source, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to travel to Washington on Wednesday and may have a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House (NYT).
Zelensky would be making his first overseas travel since the Russian invasion in February, and it would be an unexpected excursion that would allay some security worries. He will probably address the Congress as well.
The authorities, who requested anonymity out of fear for Zelensky’s safety, did warn that the plans were not set in stone and might alter, according to NYT.
As the wartime leader would be leaving his nation for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine, there would be strict secrecy surrounding any such effort.
The administration plans to send the nation a new defence assistance package that will include Patriot missile systems during the visit, which hasn’t been finalised and has been closely guarded due to security concerns.
According to CNN, the White House declined to comment on a planned visit, a statement from Biden, or any fresh announcements regarding security support.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not confirm reports Zelensky would be coming to the Capitol on Wednesday, saying, “I don’t know that that’s going to happen. We don’t know yet. We just don’t know,” she said.
There were rumours that the Congress will hold an unusual session. Even while lawmakers still have the option to cast their votes remotely, Speaker Pelosi of California earlier on Tuesday addressed a letter to all House members requesting that they attend the Wednesday night session in person, according to NYT.