Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Washington has been hailed as a historic, diplomatic success and it's sure to be one that Kyiv hopes will boost the chances of ongoing financial and military support for Ukraine as the war continues.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Zelenskyy met at the White House for a bilateral meeting and at a joint press conference that followed, Biden pledged to help the Ukrainian leader for "as long as it takes."
The Ukrainian leader then gave a rousing and historic 32-minute address to U.S. lawmakers at the Capitol building in Washington on Wednesday night.
"Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn't fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking," Zelenskyy said to a loud round of applause and several standing ovations.
"The battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation which Russia attempts to conquer," he said, "the struggle will define in what world our children and grandchildren will live."
Zelenskyy assured Americans that their money isn't being wasted in Ukraine, saying its soldiers know perfectly well how to operate complex U.S. weapons systems and planes.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, said on Telegram that the meeting between the two presidents is "historic." "A great victory is ahead," he added.