Biden to meet Ukrainian president at Thursday's NATO summit in Washington

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday at a NATO summit, according to the White House.

Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden will "discuss our unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself from Russian aggression" with Zelenskky.

The meeting will take place before the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting.

It will be the third meeting between Biden and Zelenskyy since Russia began its "special military operation" in Ukraine, following a sit-down in France, and another one-on-one at the G7 in Italy.

"And it will further demonstrate the strength of the partnership between our countries," she added.

The leaders of NATO's 32 member states are arriving in the US capital on Tuesday as the Transatlantic alliance prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a three-day summit in which the ongoing war in Ukraine is expected to feature prominently.

Discussions will maintain and build on the alliance's support for Ukraine with the future of critical American assistance unclear ahead of November's US presidential election.

- Zelenskyy arrives in Washington

The Ukrainian president said he arrived in the US capital earlier Tuesday.

"Today marks the beginning of the NATO Summit. We are fighting for more air defense systems for Ukraine, and I’m confident we will succeed," he wrote on X.

In a video message, he said Ukraine is striving to secure more aircraft, including F-16s.

"Additionally, we are pushing for enhanced security guarantees for Ukraine, including weapons, financial aid, and political support. We urge decisive actions from the US and Europe – actions that will strengthen our warriors," he wrote.

"We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that Russian terror is defeated. This is not just crucial for our country – it is essential for everyone – for every partner and all nations," he added.