Washington — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House next week, in what could be his last visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue before President Biden leaves office.
The two leaders will meet on Thursday. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Zelenskyy separately, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“The leaders will discuss the state of the war between Russia and Ukraine, including Ukraine’s strategic planning and US support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “The president and vice president will emphasize their unwavering commitment to stand with Ukraine until it wins this war.”
The meeting comes as Ukraine has pressed US officials and NATO allies to lift restrictions on Kiev’s use of Western long-range missiles against targets on Russian territory. Zelenskyy discussed the matter with Foreign Minister Antony Blinken at a meeting last week. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that firing long-range missiles at Russia would represent a big escalation of NATO’s involvement in the war, which has dragged on for two and a half years.
Zelenskyy has appreciated Mr. Biden’s support for Ukraine and for rallying other nations to support Kiev during the course of the war. Harris has pledged to continue that support.
“I look forward to hosting my friend Ukrainian President Zelenskyy next week at the White House,” Mr. Biden posted on X. “During his visit, I will reaffirm America’s commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its freedom and independence.”
Next week is heavy on foreign policy for Mr. Biden. During the weekend he comes host the Quad Leaders Summit — composed of the leaders of Australia, India and Japan — at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. That summit will focus on their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The president is also attending the UN General Assembly in New York City, where Zelenskyy is also scheduled to speak.