UPDATE - Zelenskyy meets with US Congressional leaders in Washington

ADDS UKRAINIAN LEADER'S MEETING WITH HOUSE LEADERS; CHANGES HEADLINE

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Congressional leaders Wednesday on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington.

Zelenskyy said he had an "important" meeting with a Senate delegation led by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, along with senators from both parties.

"We discussed the current battlefield situation and American defense support. I informed them about Russia's increased missile terror against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

He extended his gratitude to President Joe Biden, Congress and Americans for their support for Ukraine.

Separately, Zelenskyy met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss strengthening Ukrainian-American cooperation.

"We discussed expectations for the NATO Summit and Ukraine's progress in implementing reforms on its path to joining the EU and NATO. Continued budgetary support from the USA is important for the economic stability of our country," he said on X.

The world must remain a place where freedom and democratic values prevail, Zelenskyy said, thanking Johnson for supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight against "full-scale Russian aggression."

Later, he met with members of the House of Representatives, led by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

"I told them that Russia continues its missile terror against Ukraine. The strike on the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital once again demonstrated the importance of strengthening our air defense and taking decisive action to eliminate Russia's very ability to terrorize Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

He added that they discussed ways to bring a just end to the war and other vital issues of defense.

"We value Congress’s role in limiting the potential of the aggressor state, supporting the sanctions pressure intensification, and recognizing the need to continue these measures. We are grateful for all the important assistance provided to our country and our people," the president said.

NATO's 32 leaders and Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg are expected to sit down Thursday with Zelenskyy for a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.

Stoltenberg said he expects the allies to make important decisions on enhancing support for Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense, and deepening partnerships with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.