Zelensky seeks ‘a truly just peace’ for Ukraine during US visit
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) visiting the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania on Sept 22.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the United States on Sept 22 to attend sessions at the United Nations General Assembly
“This fall will determine the future of this war,” he said in a post on X alongside his nightly video address, delivered from a plane he said was en route to Pennsylvania. Ukrainian media later reported he had arrived in New York. He is also due to visit Washington later in the week.
Mr Zelensky made an unannounced stop in US President Joe Biden’s home town of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to visit a munitions plant which he said was ramping up manufacturing of crucial 155mm artillery shells to help the Ukrainian war effort.
“It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail,” Mr Zelensky said in a post on X, alongside photographs of him thanking plant workers. The Ukrainian leader’s concerns about a shortage of such munitions have taken on added urgency as Russia pummels Ukraine’s energy grid ahead of the critical winter months.
In his video address, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine was doing everything it could, by acquiring weapons and through diplomacy, “to consolidate our partners’ support and force Russia into peace”.
He flew on to New York, where he was expected to meet heads of US companies to discuss his country’s energy needs, as well as leaders of states and international organisations.
Mr Zelensky’s visit coincides with US efforts to prepare a US$375 million (S$485 million) military aid package for Ukraine, breaking a months-long trend towards smaller packages for Kyiv’s military operations.
He said he would present a “victory plan” in Ukraine’s war against Russia first to Mr Biden. He is also expected to discuss the plan with US Vice-President Kamala Harris in a separate meeting on Sept 26, as well as with other world leaders.
Mr Zelensky also hopes to meet Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has called US aid to its eastern European ally a waste of money and has declined to say he wants Ukraine to win. Trump has said he will probably meet Mr Zelensky this week but no date has been announced.
Trump faces Ms Harris in the Nov 5 US presidential election.
Two American officials told Reuters on Sept 20 that an aid package, expected to be announced this week, includes patrol boats, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, spare parts and other weapons.
The officials said the contents and size of the package could change in the coming days ahead of Mr Biden’s expected signature.
Mr Zelensky is expected to speak at a UN summit on Sept 23, participate in Security Council meetings on Ukraine the next day, and speak during the General Assembly on Sept 25. REUTERS
