The newly-elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington this week on an urgent mission to secure the United States’ continued support and assistance in responding to the ongoing Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump met with Zelensky at the White House on Wednesday, where the two leaders discussed a variety of topics following the discussions. The meeting marked an escalation of Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts to gain understanding and assistance from the United States since he was sworn in in May.
Earlier in the week, Zelensky and his adviser Andriy Yermak held talks with the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in an effort to secure additional military assistance for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian-led separatists in the Donbas region. During the meeting, Zelensky discussed Kyiv’s plans to implement reforms in order to combat corruption and improve the economy. Zelensky also requested additional US financial support for Ukraine.
Yermak later held separate meetings with United States senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle in order to express Kyiv’s desire for a closer strategic partnership with the US in the region. The Ukrainian President and his advisers aimed to ensure the United States remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Although the exact outcomes of the meetings have yet to be determined, Zelensky’s visit marked a significant milestone in his diplomatic efforts to secure U.S. support. The Ukrainian officials were encouraged by the united stance among U.S. officials as they voiced their opposition to Russia’s efforts to destabilize Ukraine, and expressed strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
