Zelenskyy meets with US governors
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the National Governors Association meeting during his visit to the US. He discussed various issues with American state leaders, including Russian aggression, strengthening air defense systems, and regional cooperation, according to the president's Telegram channel and his official website.
Zelenskyy acknowledged US support for Ukraine and thanked regional authorities for assisting Ukrainian refugees.
The Ukrainian president urged American officials to build connections between people that will last forever.
"We already see Utah's contribution to rebuilding our country - you have helped thousands of people. Such assistance can extend to millions and serve the greater good, benefiting everyone, regardless of where they live. Because we all share the same values and do not want war to destroy lives anywhere," he stated.
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's need for bomb shelters in educational institutions, air defense systems for the Defense Forces, and electricity generation. He called on the governors of American states to foster regional cooperation with Ukrainian regions.
"We are grateful for the humanitarian aid and the housing, especially for the people who lost it because of the shelling. They lost their homes, and so they really needed to renovate or rebuild them from scratch, to restore their lives. So, we are grateful to your business," he said.
Additionally, the head of state detailed the situation on the battlefield, highlighting the daily Russian terror against Ukrainian civilian targets and critical and energy infrastructure. He also addressed the recent Russian missile strike on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv.
"You should know that Russia attacks our schools, universities, and hospitals every day. And that is why the NATO Summit was so important to strengthen our air defense. We are grateful to America and other partners. And the decision to transfer several additional defense systems is very important for us," Zelenskyy stated.
The President's Office added that during this meeting, the Ukrainian president discussed cooperation with US governors on defense companies and rebuilding Ukrainian schools and hospitals.
In June, a representative of the US Secretary of State announced that the US would assist in restoring, diversifying, and protecting Ukraine's energy sector from Russian attacks, as well as aligning it with European standards.
Additionally, in mid-June, the White House announced that the US is allocating $1.5 billion to Ukraine for energy and humanitarian aid.
