Zelenskyy meets with Biden amidst growing concerns over Russia’s invasion and bilateral priorities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Sept. 21. This marks the second visit of the Ukrainian leader to Washington, DC since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The meeting with Biden is a significant part of Zelenskyy’s extensive visit to the United States and North America. Over the past two days, the Ukrainian President has been in New York, where he participated in UN General Assembly events. Following his visit to Washington, DC, he is expected to visit Canada.

Biden will receive Zelenskyy at the White House for the second time, following the Ukrainian President’s initial foreign visit to the United States in December 2022, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The most recent meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders occurred just a few months ago on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius.

Among the topics that Zelenskyy and Biden may discuss today are:

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Progress of Ukraine’s counter-offensive: “President (Biden) eagerly anticipates hearing from President Zelenskyy about Ukraine’s counter-offensive and the progress they (Ukrainian Armed Forces) are making – his own assessment of the situation on the battlefield,” announced White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian President’s office, said that Zelenskyy will further stress Ukraine’s commitment to liberating its territories.

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Ukraine’s military needs amid prolonged warfare: Podolyak reminded that Ukrainian military requires long-range ATACMS missiles to target Russian logistics, rear bases, and command posts effectively. Ukraine is also looking for expedited training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. Another component of Ukraine’s military needs includes various types of armored vehicles and artillery ammunition, particularly for HIMARS.

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Assurances of long-term U.S. support: According to Kirby, Biden aims to reassure Zelenskyy that the U.S. will genuinely stand with Ukraine as long as necessary, and Ukrainians should understand that the support will continue.

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“Critical moment” in the war: Both Kirby and Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, emphasized that Biden and Zelenskyy will meet at a “critical moment” as Russia seeks to expand its military cooperation with authoritarian regimes like North Korea and Iran.

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Corruption in Ukraine: Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko added the hypothetical topic of corruption in Ukraine to the meeting agenda. He suggested that it might involve U.S. oversight of the use of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

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Macroeconomic support from the U.S.: Fesenko also noted another challenge, which is the approaching U.S. presidential elections and the risks related to passing the U.S. budget for the next year through the U.S. Congress. “This could have a negative impact on Ukraine’s current financial support. This will also be discussed, as well as the overall level of financial support for Ukraine from the United States,” said the analyst.

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Preparation of a bilateral security guarantee for Ukraine.

Additionally, Zelenskyy is expected to meet with leaders of the U.S. Congress from both main parties in Washington, DC.

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