Zelensky meets with Biden, thanks Americans for support during Russian invasion

President Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Wednesday, in his first known trip outside his country since Russia’s invasion in February. On behalf of Ukrainians, Zelensky thanked Biden, Congress and the American people for their support during the conflict with Russia.

Video Transcript

JOE BIDEN: Well, Mr. President, it's good to have you back. I'm delighted you're able to make the trip to be here. And it's an honor to be by your side in the united defense against what is a brutal, brutal war being waged by Putin.

300 days. It's hard to believe. 300 days you've going through this. And Putin has waged a brutal assault on Ukraine's right to exist as a nation and attack on innocent Ukrainian people. For no reason other than to intimidate. And he's escalated his assault on civilians after hitting schools, orphanages, hospitals, landmarks.

It just-- he's trying to use winter as a weapon. But the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world. I mean, that sincerely. Not just inspire us, but inspire the world with their courage and how they chose the resilience and resolve for their future. And the American people have stood proudly with them. Democrats and Republicans together with our allies in Europe and Japan and other places to make sure you have the financial, humanitarian, and security assistance that is needed.

We're going to talk about that today. And we're going to continue to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself, particularly air defense. And that's why we're going to be providing Ukraine with patriot missile batteries and training your forces to be able to accurately use it. Together with our partners, we're also going to continue to impose costs on the Kremlin. And we'll support Ukraine pursuing a just peace.

President Zelenskyy, the United States stands with the brave people in Ukraine. We stand with you. And you've got a great leader. And by the way, we have a famous thing that occurs once a year. We take the Man of the Year in "Time Magazine." You are the Man of the Year in the United States of America. So welcome. We have a lot to talk about. Floor is yours.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Thank you so much, Mr. President, it's great honor for me to be here. Your journalists. Thank you so much for the invitation. I really wanted to come tell Mr. President and those involved here, but I couldn't do it because the situation was so difficult. And if I'm calm, I came in that we controlled the situation. And because of support, and first of all, because of your support-- and I really I understand that we have very important topics and we will discuss them, everything, so many challenges in Ukraine, in Europe, in the world.

From energy, to situation on battlefield. But I first of all, I really all my appreciation from my heart, from the heart of Ukraine and all Ukrainians, from our nation, strong nations, all the appreciation to you. First of all, Mr. President, for your big support and leadership across Europe. Many countries helped us and are helping now because the war is not over. It's still going, anyway. But that is your leadership. Thank you, first of all.

JOE BIDEN: Thank you.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Thank you so much, Mr. President. Of course thanks bipartisan support. Thanks Congress. And thanks from our just ordinary people to your ordinary people, Americans. I really appreciate. I think it's very difficult to understand what does it mean when we say appreciate, but you really have to feel it. And thank you so much. Great honor to be here.