Ukrainian president’s journey to U.S. ‘extremely symbolic’, aide says By Reuters

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends the convention in solidarity with the Ukrainian individuals in Paris through videolink, amid Russia’s assault on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 13, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout v

By Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s “extraordinarily vital” go to to the USA on Wednesday will disprove Russian makes an attempt to indicate that U.S.-Ukrainian relations are cooling, a senior aide to Zelenskiy stated.

Political adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stated Zelenskiy’s journey, together with talks with President Joe Biden, offered a chance to elucidate the actual state of affairs in Ukraine, what weapons Kyiv must battle Russia, and why it wants them.

Zelenskiy headed to Washington after visiting troops on Tuesday within the frontline metropolis of Bakhmut, scene of a number of the fiercest preventing since Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.

“Mr Zelenskiy’s official go to to the USA, which started instantly after his go to to the most well liked level of the battle – Bakhmut – is extremely symbolic. And very vital,” Podolyak instructed Reuters in written feedback.

“Firstly, each the go to itself and the extent of deliberate conferences unequivocally testify to the excessive diploma of belief between the nations. Secondly, this lastly places an finish to the makes an attempt by the Russian aspect … to show an allegedly rising cooling in our bilateral relations.”

Podolyak stated Russia’s portrayal of U.S.-Ukrainian relations was “not even shut” to actuality.

“The US unequivocally helps Ukraine,” he stated.

Podolyak stated Zelenskiy would be capable of present the American political elite “the actual scale” of the battle, its true nature and the significance of ending it correctly — which means on the fitting phrases.

“Fourth – weapons, weapons and extra weapons. You will need to personally clarify why we want sure kinds of weapons. Specifically, armoured automobiles, the newest missile defence programs and long-range missiles,” he stated.

Zelenskiy would present why offering Ukraine with such weapons wouldn’t result in an escalation of the battle, however would sharply scale back Russia’s army capabilities, Podolyak stated.

“For my part, the go to will undoubtedly activate and optimise key areas of army cooperation, additional mobilise bipartisan political assist and extra clearly paint an image of the longer term if the battle is just not ended appropriately,” he stated.