Zelensky leaves for United States

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has left on a visit to the United States.

According to Ukrinform, he announced this on his Twitter account.

"On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine. In particular, U.S. President Joe Biden and I will discuss cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. I will also have a speech at the Congress and a number of bilateral meetings," Zelensky wrote.

The press service of the head of state added that Zelensky had left for the United States after visiting the forward positions of Ukrainian defenders in Bakhmut on December 20.

On December 21, in Washington, Zelensky will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, in particular with regard to strengthening the resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and restoring territorial integrity, the press service said.

The Ukrainian leader will also deliver a speech at a joint session of the two houses of the U.S. Congress and hold a number of bilateral meetings.

The Appropriations Committee of the U.S. Senate on December 19 released the $1.7 trillion fiscal year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill that includes, in particular, $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies.