Ukraine’s Zelenskiy has packed schedule during Washington visit
2023.12.11 14:05
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a joint press conference with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu and President of the European Council Charles Michel, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, November 21, 2023. REUTERS/Va
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will meet with top U.S. lawmakers, the head of the International Monetary Fund and U.S. President Joe Biden during his visit to Washington this week.
Here’s a look at Zelenskiy’s schedule on Monday and Tuesday:
MONDAY
Zelenskiy arrived in Washington on Monday, telling a military audience that he hoped to still count on U.S. support amid questions over future military assistance.
He is also due to meet with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, on the same day as the IMF’s executive board meets to review Ukraine’s economic performance under a $15.6 billion loan. The board is expected to approve disbursement of an additional $900 million to support Ukraine’s budgetary needs.
TUESDAY
The Ukrainian leader has been invited to address U.S. senators on Tuesday at 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT) in the Capitol, a Senate leadership aide said on Sunday.
While he will not address the U.S. House of Representatives, Zelenskiy will meet privately with House Speaker Mike Johnson in the Capitol on Tuesday, Johnson spokesman Raj Shah said in an email to Reuters.
In the afternoon, Zelenskiy will meet Biden to discuss what the White House calls the “urgent needs” facing Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia’s invasion.
The meeting comes as the White House looks to strike an agreement with Congress that would provide military aid for Ukraine and Israel.
After their meeting, both leaders will hold a joint news conference at the White House.
