Congressional request and NATO membership: Zelenskyy and Biden's main statements after talks

What Zelensky said

We need to defeat Russia in the air

Zelenskyy said that just as Ukraine had won on the Black Sea, it now wants to defeat Russia in the air.

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that strengthening ground forces in 2024 is crucial. Controlling the sky provides a strategic advantage, making it easier for them. The one who controls the sky also influences the duration of the war.

On the results of the visit to the United States

Zelenskyy answered journalists' questions about whether he heard what he wanted to hear in the United States. According to him, he heard words of support and received positive signals.

The President of Ukraine mentioned engaging in extensive discussions with representatives from both parties, Democrats and Republicans. Both parties assured him of their support. He expressed confidence in the continuous backing of Ukraine by the United States, asserting that Ukraine will not be left alone in facing the threat posed by Russia.

Is Ukraine ready to sacrifice territories

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine cannot give up its territories to the Russians.

He emphasized that the statement is absurd and unfounded, noting that Ukrainians still inhabit those territories.

What Biden said

Appeal to the US Congress

Biden called on the U.S. Congress to approve his request for additional funding to help Ukraine. He also condemned the Republican filibuster, saying that only Russia was happy about it.

The U.S. president stated that Russia and Moscow's loyalists celebrated when Republicans voted last week to block aid to Ukraine.

The U.S. wants Ukraine to win the war

Biden said that the United States wants Ukraine to win the war with Russia.

The U.S. president expressed the desire for Ukraine to emerge victorious in the war. He highlighted that a successful outcome would result in Ukraine being a sovereign, strong state capable of defending itself and deterring future aggression.

On Ukraine's accession to NATO

According to Biden, Ukraine's future is in NATO, but it is necessary to make sure that Ukrainians win the war against Russia.

The speaker expressed pride in the current strength and unity of the Alliance. Mentioning discussions with Putin about the "Finlandization" of NATO, the speaker emphasized the phenomenon of "NATOization" in Finland. Regarding Ukraine, the speaker asserted that Ukraine has a future in NATO, with the condition that they secure victory in the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy's visit to the United States

Zelenskyy arrived in Washington earlier this week amid a deadlock in the U.S. Congress over Biden's request for additional aid funding for Ukraine. The Republican Party is blocking consideration of the presidential administration's request, demanding that it include funding for the protection of the U.S. border with Mexico.

During the visit, Zelenskyy met not only with Biden but also with the leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties in Congress, as well as with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

Following the meeting with Zelenskyy, Republican senators clarified that they had not changed their position on helping Ukraine and wanted concessions from the White House. This includes the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Zelenskyy also met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Army Chief of Staff Charles Brown. They discussed challenges to global security, developments on the frontline, and further Ukrainian-American defense cooperation.

In addition, the Ukrainian president held talks with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The meeting occurred against the IMF's decision to revise its cooperation program with Ukraine and allocate the next tranche of almost $900 million.