We now have official confirmation that Zelenskiy will visit Washington today, in his first foreign visit since the war broke out.
US president Joe Biden has released a statement saying that Zelenskiy will go to the White House before addressing a joint session of Congress “demonstrating the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine”.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has published an open letter to Zelenskiy inviting him to address Congress in person on Wednesday.
In the letter, she writes that “the fight for Ukraine is the fight for democracy itself”.
Here is part of the letter:
Dear Mr. President:
It is with immense respect and admiration for your extraordinary leadership that I extend on behalf of bipartisan Congressional leadership an invitation to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
America and the world are in awe of the heroism of the Ukrainian people. In the face of Putin’s horrific atrocities, Ukrainian freedom fighters have inspired the world with an iron will and an unbreakable spirit — fighting back against Russia’s brutal, unjustified invasion.
…
The fight for Ukraine is the fight for democracy itself. We look forward to hearing your inspiring message of unity, resilience and determination. Thank you for your leadership and consideration of this request.