Ukraine's Zelenskyy tells Congress: 'We are united ... the entire free world'

Earlier Wednesday, Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden at the White House.

ByLibby Cathey, Alexandra Hutzler, and Isabella Murray
Last Updated: December 22, 2022, 7:54 AM EST

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a dramatic visit to Washington Wednesday -- his first known trip outside Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February.

He met with President Joe Biden at the White House and later addressed Congress as lawmakers are set to vote on $45 billion more in emergency aid as part of a larger spending package. Biden on Wednesday also announced the U.S. will send Ukraine a Patriot anti-missile battery to defend against devastating Russian attacks.

In a virtual address to U.S. lawmakers back in March, Zelenskyy emotionally pleaded for more aggressive measures to help fight the war. Invoking key American tragedies, including Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11 attacks, Zelenskyy told members at the time, "Just remember it … Our country experiences the same every day right now."

Here is how the story developed:

All times Eastern.
Dec 21, 2022, 11:00 AM EST

Zelenskyy's schedule in Washington

Zelenskyy shared he was on his way to the U.S. early Tuesday morning, describing the trip as a way to strengthen the resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine.

"I hope you're having a good flight, Volodymyr. I'm thrilled to have you here. Much to discuss," Biden responded on Twitter.

The Ukrainian president will be greeted by Biden at the White House South Lawn at 2 p.m.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy walks on a train platform surrounded by servicemen, Dec. 21, 2022, in Poland.
TVN24/AFP via Getty Images

The two leaders will then hold a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at 2:30. Zelenskyy last visited Biden at the White House in September 2021, just months before Russia's invasion began.

Zelenskyy and Biden will participate in a joint press conference in the East Room at 4:30 p.m. before Zelenskyy travels to Capitol Hill to address lawmakers.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the joint meeting of Congress is expected to start at 7:30 p.m.

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