On Sunday, September 22, Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in the United States for a crucial visit. During his visit, he will present the “Victory Plan” and speak at the United Nations General Assembly, seeking allies’ help to end the Russia-Ukraine war and achieve a “truly just peace”.
“This autumn will determine the future of this war,” Zelensky posted on the social media platform X, “Together with our partners, we can strengthen our position… achieve a common victory, and realize a truly just peace.”
According to Ukrinform, Zelensky is scheduled to speak at the UN “Future Summit” on Monday, participate in a Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Tuesday, and deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
“Our ‘Victory Plan’ for Ukraine will be on the table of all our allies,” he remarked in another post.
After arriving in the US, Zelensky first visited Scranton, Pennsylvania, the hometown of President Biden, where he made an unannounced stop and toured a military factory. President Biden lived in Scranton until he was 10 years old before moving with his family to Delaware.
Zelensky mentioned that the military factory he visited is currently accelerating the production of crucial 155mm shells to assist Ukraine in its fight against aggression.
“At places like this, you can truly feel that the democratic world can achieve victory,” said Zelensky on the X platform, along with a photo showing his gratitude to the factory workers.
As winter approaches, Russia has conducted extensive sabotage on Ukraine’s power grid. The demand for such ammunition in Ukraine has become more urgent.
Next, Zelensky is set to fly to New York, where he will meet with American business leaders to discuss Ukraine’s energy needs and hold talks with leaders of various countries and international organizations.
Zelensky stated that he will first present Ukraine’s “Victory Plan” to Biden.
While on the plane to Pennsylvania, Zelensky recorded a video saying, “Ukraine will present the Victory Plan to the United States, and the President will be the first to see its complete content.”
He mentioned that he will also present the proposal to “leaders of all our partner countries,” as well as to the US Congress and “both presidential candidates”.
During this visit, Zelensky also hopes to meet with Republican presidential candidate Trump.
The meeting has drawn attention as Trump previously criticized US aid to Ukraine as a waste of money and refused to express hope for Ukraine’s victory.
Trump stated that he might meet with Zelensky this week, but the specific date has not been announced.
During Zelensky’s visit to the US, the Biden administration is preparing to provide Ukraine with $375 million in military assistance.
Last Friday, two US officials informed Reuters that the aid package expected to be announced this week includes patrol boats, additional ammunition for HIMARS, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, spare parts, and other weapons.
Officials mentioned that the content and quantity of the military aid package may still undergo changes before Biden signs it.