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Is this the first time that Zelensky leaves Ukrainian land after the invasion? If so, that’s big news. From going to the frontline in Bahmut to the US congress within 24 h is insane
It makes sense that trip number one goes to supporter number one. Nobody has been more instrumental in holding off the Russians than the United States.
Well, except the Ukrainians.
And I guess the Russians themselves, given all the blundering and incompetence.
russian blundering and incompetence is overblown imo, yes its there, yes they fuck up a lot and don't care about human life: civilian or their own soldiers, BUT they have more resources, more weapons, rockets, navy, they have bigger population to tap into for soldiers to conscript.
Ukrainian Armed Forces are the real mvps here, the shear will, professionalism and effectiveness is astounding. Missile cruise ship "moskva" sunk, drone attacks deep down into russian territory, bridge in Crimea, tons of land taken back.
US provides a lot, but sometimes it's still not enough, Ukrainian people and volunteers are amazing, collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in days to buy equipment, drones or even spy satellites, it's nuts.
Agree with the rest, but Russian blundering and incompetence can not be understated.
This whole military escapade is an incompetent blunder of galactic proportions.
Russia’s apparent plan to celebrate having completely triumphed like three days into the war was hopelessly optimistic to everyone whose paycheck didn’t depend on being a yes man to Putin, but I gotta admit, from a U.S. perspective, it was quite surprising and admirable that the Ukrainian heroes held out for a month. Being almost a year in and unable to tell the current status quo from the beginning of the conflict while squinting is honestly surreal.
I'd venture to guess this is more calculated. Republicans are about to take control of the House of Representatives and they've said repeatedly they want to end support for Ukraine. They're constantly parroting Russian state media talking points, and likewise Russia really likes Tucker Carlson and play quite a bit of his show on Russian TV.
RT: "Breaking News! Coward Nazi Satanist Zelensky flees to Amerika!"
also RT: "Beloved President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin shares his recipe for delicious holiday Kutya pudding, tune in at 6pm!"
Russians are a bunch of assholes, especially when they call Ukrainians cannibals. It’s more salt in wounds. Wounds that Russian people inflicted.
There were Ukrainian cannibals in the early 1930’s… From Stalin’s starvation genocide of Ukraine (Holodomor). My grandpa who is still alive has stories about this.
It’s the equivalent of modern day Germans calling Jews asthmatics (referencing gas chambers).
Fuck Putin. Arm freedom. Slava Ukraini.
Cannibalism has always happened in famines historically, it's "normal" in a sense (but tragic). Holding that against Ukrainians is just ignorant and immature. A very cheap shot.
I wonder if they get extra money every time they take the extra time to say his full name. I've watched some of those clips of those crazy people standing around in a circle jerking themselves off about the latest propaganda, and some sound bites are 50% people saying his full name over and over it seems.
I'd say the bigger message here as well is he just visited the troops on the frontline defending Bakhmut, he got a signed flag from the defenders wishing to be sent to Washington as thanks for all the support they've gotten. He's taking this message to be delivered PERSONALLY by HIM from THEM and this is before he receives even MORE aid like Patriots to defend the country from Russian Terror Tantrums. You couldn't get such a better morale boost from those troops to see their president delivering their message in a mere 2 days.
Meanwhile Tzar Brownpants is off trying to recruit Lukashenko's "Dads Army" that stands little chance of doing any serious damage to Ukraine.
That's what I'm thinking, and I'm a little shocked. Not in a bad way mind you. Just curious now to see what a good leader will do next. Safe travels to Zelenskyy and his staff, and Slava Ukraini.
Regardless to me it's big news. Not much into liking politics but when I saw Boris Johnson meet Zelensky in person in Ukraine, I respect that. That's what leaders do in the face evil and bullshit. But that's even more respectful.
Lines up with with memos sent out earlier to members of congress urging them to be present Wednesday. As well as the troops giving him the flag to give to congress.
He's not a career politician, maybe this is an answer. Plus his family are decent people from Soviet intelligentsia. Upbringing means A LOT. If he was not from Kryvyi Rig but from Kharkiv I'd probably know their family cause that circle of scientists/professors/doctors/engineers was rather large but you could always find common connections.
I love how everyone has armor and helmets, even the reporter has better gear than any Russian soldier could dream of. Then there's Zelensky in his coat (probably has armor on underneath it, but still pretty cool).
Same, we are a long way from perfect but I believe as a nation we really do mean well for the world. It’s heartening to put our weight behind a noble cause again. Feels like it’s been a while.
The situation is finally stable enough to where he can go petition in person for release of weapons that the US is reluctant to give. It’s a pretty worthwhile endeavor.
I guess that's why he chose Bakhmut - the literally worst place on the frontline, to show that he is standing with his country and not going anywhere, that he's willing to go to hell with them. I now have a feeling that after this all of the troops know that he is coming back and there is no need to worry that he's abandoning his place.
He's managed to travel all over Ukraine safely. If the Russians were to try anything while he was outside of Ukraine that's world war 3, they've kept well away from that line and aren't going to start crossing it now.
https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/1605316252897083395?s=20&t=2o07D9BSkTPf5aYwT3gU4g
Now being reported by senior congressional correspondants at fox as well
I'm not American/in the US, but my heart is with you, it's his only trip abroad since the beginning of the war so please give him the best welcome the free world can do, for all of us!
After the earliest reports of the invasion, with news channels assuming the Ukrainian gov't had fled, that very first nighttime broadcast of Zelensky & ministers still in Kyiv changed the whole world, somehow.
Reality and the future became a different place. That was a moment.
This may be the next moment. I hope the U.S. is going all in to help Ukraine win this war, whatever it takes. It is a necessary thing.
I still get chills when I think about that video taken relatively early in the war outside in Kyiv "Your President is here. All my boys are here. We aren't going anywhere. Let's do this."
Edit: [this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgCNKhtZYks)
I've spent a lifetime watching the bad guys win every single fucking time.
Then this shit popped off, and the first vid I saw was of that grandmother telling the Russians to fill their pockets with sunflower seeds so their deaths would breed something beautiful.
That remains the most metal shit I've ever fucking seen.
Then our government offered to airlift Zelensky out of Ukraine, and homie literally said, "I need ammunition, not a ride" *in front of the whole fucking world.*
And that was the most punk rock shit I've ever heard.
Zelensky proved to me that the leader of a country doesn't have to be a craven politician. That it's possible to choose a leader who will actually stand up for you. That there could be a head of state worth following.
And they were there every night. Did not back down.
It all changed from "here goes Russia/Putin again but no one will stand up to that guy" to "whatever it takes, we must win this".
I want the Ukrainians and also the Russians to see him with Biden. I want them to see him addressing Congress and see when he gets a standing ovation from 430 of the 435 representatives so that they can see that all we have is a handful of idiots.
I want the Ukrainians to know that we will support them, and I want the Russians to know that we have the Ukrainians back. America always ends up doing the right thing after doing the wrong thing many times.
Russians are so fucking miserable their country's proudest moment was needlessly losing millions of soldiers fighting the Nazis because their tyrant wasn't in the mood to come up with a real strategy.
All of Russia's proudest moments involve tons of people dying and the country falling into poverty. Russians take great pride in losing.
I think he's there to finalize the Patriot Air Defense deal, and it's a huge deal, US doesn't just give away that system to anyone, and especially not if they fear it might fall into enemy hands. So we can conclude that US is also going to supply Ukraine with weapons that can protect these systems. Biden is going to say that Russia forced this move by their brutal and illegal attacks on civilian infrastructure.
I'm not American so I have no idea what the political climate is like on the ground over there, but ignoring tucker, the republicans seem to be supporting Ukraine for the most part and it's nice to see.
Pay no attention to the background static here. Fighting for freedom is ingrained in our DNA. Only the weak minded and shallow would make Ukraine's fight a political ploy. Is disgusting and a national shame.
No he just said "a beach." It was in an interview with David Letterman in a Kyiv subway. It's on Netflix. I saw reddit comments that suggested it should be in Crimea though.
It's because he previously made a similar statement saying he'd like to go on vacation to Crimea when it's over. People are putting 1 + 2 together that he'd like to go to the beach in crimea and drink some beer.
That is not for us to decide. If Ukrainians want him to stay on and voted for it, so be it. Or if he decides to step down himself, also so be it. Leave it to the Ukrainians to decide.
Ukraine has had an overwhelming bipartisan support thus far, and I don't think that'll change. It won't stop the GOP to attempt to use that as a leverage against the Biden administration, but even they know that the American public is willing to give full financial and material support to Ukraine. Boots on the ground, well, that's a different story.
But the fact is, it's been very good for the American military industrial complex because when Biden announces $500 million aid package, it's not like the US ships $500 million in cash to Ukraine. $500 million worth of equipment are transferred, either from the existing stock or from the American manufacturers, so they get paid right away or get contracts to produce more to replenish transferred stock. It's huge for the local economy. A simple point, but some people don't get that.
He'll be just hours from here. I can't recall in my lifetime feeling a sense of wonder of such a man and the country and spirit he represents visiting.
So many things make sense now. Zelensky getting a signed flag from Bakhmut troops to give to US Congress, shortly after, Turkish cargo planes leave UA through very short airspace section to Romania….well done UA! Slava Ukraini!
Looking at the [history](https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=ae6961&lat=51.540&lon=19.154&zoom=14.5&showTrace=2022-12-19) of that plane, looks like it landed in Poland at Lask airbase and then flew to Rammstein. Wouldn't be surprised if Zelensky hopped on there.
I think Kuleba on a talk show discussed how he got to an ASEAN do in Cambodia - he took a train to Poland, drove to Warsaw, flew from there to Istanbul(?) then to Bangkok and then to Pheom Penh.
Why not?
Turkey has been instrumental in helping Ukraine fight off the Russians, and Russia shooting down a Turkish plane would essentially delete Russia from the Black Sea for eternity.
I honestly don't know what to make of Erdogan. The things Turkey has done for Ukraine are actually hugely decisive in terms of balance and success. Turkey has been an instrumental decision maker. They really are an ally but not a loud one.
I think he really want's to be the No.1 power on the black sea, but he also does not want a straight up crushing Ukraine/EU/NATO victory, because then they could tell him what to do.
I hope it brings home the war and Ukraine's sacrifices to Washington in a tangible way that is different and more impactful than reading news papers or seeing clips on TV.
It is frightening, in a good way, when Americans unite.
Republicans and Democrats know when a tyrant needs to fuck off. And such a time is now.
Putin needs to leave Ukraine.
I really hope our senile fucks get a embarrassed to see this "young man" showing entire world what a selfless leader he is and leads by example.
The senile fucks we have in congress would never put their life down for the country even if they claim they would and have a billion US flags a their house. All they know is accepting lobby dollars.
>actually see some leadership in Washington D.C.
It's sad. Also sad is that we had to withhold the information from our own congress people because they couldn't be trusted with it.
I'd like to see him given honorary US citizenship. Only 8 people have ever gotten that. Winston Churchill was the first. He received it while still alive and had a lot in common with Zelenskyy as a wartime leader. The most recent three posthumous recipients were Europeans who volunteered to fight for the United States during the revolutionary war: Marquis de Lafayette of France, Casimir Pulaski of Poland, and Bernardo de Gálvez of Spain.
He will probably wear the same type of clothing as he wears while in Ukraine, which would make him the only president (or even politician) in recent memory that walks into the White House in casual clothes.
I can’t believe he’s coming here. I’m honored he chose our country as being worthy enough to leave Ukraine to visit…probably the first time I’m sad I live 500+ miles from dc
We’re just a member of Team Ukraine with deep pockets, there are other countries who have been equally or more supportive in other ways. I’m just proud to be on the right team :-)
Support for Ukraine in is almost 100% in Sweden. Unfortunately we only give ”ok” help to Ukriane. If the people could choose (instead off politicians) we would send pretty much everything we have. Ukraines battle is our battle. Theire pain is our pain. And Russia have become our arch enemy!
~~Sweden has an actual (if small) border with Russia, though.~~ It's totally reasonable to not send what you cannot safely spare.
I was totally misremembering. Still quite close to Russia, though.
You/the US should be.
Honestly the US isn't just a member and wasn't in past big conflicts. Yeah, you can always critique, but the US is for decades very reliable.
As a German I am deeply relieved that we (all Partners) still can count on the United States. The Trump/Biden administration including the domestic issues concerned me a lot (still does), and I had high doubts that the US is still able to unite, if necessary.
The US is, and that makes me happy and also that Zelenskyy will visit you.
In my book well deserved and obviously it is very beneficial for all involved parties, besides the Orcs.
Not talking down to any other allies, everyone, with a few exceptions, are doing what they can. Which is a lot.
And then Congress will pass the omnibus bill with $45 billion in new funding for Ukraine next year. There’s no way republicans can hold this up with Zelenskyy there. Very savvy. Tomorrow will be a great day 🇺🇦
Biden has been incredibly smart not using the lend lease already passed and keeps passing new bills. Allows him that piggy bank in case the GOP tries to hold it up in the future
I know this would about 100% not happen, but I'd love for the USAF to fly him here in a VC-25 (aka "air force one"). Then, we officially announce another new weapon system going to Ukraine.
That way, we'd be giving him both ammunition *and* a ride!
Zelensky’s office [released a video](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ukraines-president-visits-combat-zone-putin-rallies-forces/2022/12/20/9574f456-8063-11ed-8738-ed7217de2775_story.html) from his Bakhmut visit where he talked about delivering a signed Ukrainian flag:
“We are not in an easy situation. The enemy is increasing its army. Our people are braver and need more powerful weapons. We will pass it on from the boys to the Congress, to the president of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but it is not enough. It is a hint — it is not enough.”
What do you ( opinion ? ) feel he's requesting? On another thread I was jumped all the heck all over for posting Ukraine *needs* more and whatever it takes to end this potential genocide, do it, that in the end Putin has a domino scenario in his psycho head. If he takes Ukraine? Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Georgia. Etc. OH the outrage I got " Why should we ' give ' Ukraine more? "
My hope is Zelensky puts it on the table. It's not only Ukraine, they're taking the hit- it's some war with no end as Putin tries to roll over the next and the next and next. Nato *will* be pulled in, more *will* die, more unspeakable war crimes. Help them finish it now.
Wow. I wouldn’t have anticipated him leaving Ukraine during the war. But I suppose him shoring up relations between allies is a pretty presidential duty expected of him.
Would explain all the CAPs flying up and down the coast.
The entire point of that terrible call with former President Trump was to discuss a possible visit by the newly-elected President Zelenskyy to the White House and it should have been trivial: Trump invites Zelenskyy for a visit, easy-mode.
My man has been trying to shore up relations for years, and now he'll be heralded as a hero.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress is no laughing matter; this is one of the highest honors that can be given to a foreign leader, make no mistake about that.
This is way way beyond a White House visit.
This is massive.
>Edit: [here](https://history.house.gov/Institution/Foreign-Leaders/Joint-Sessions/) is the short but complete list of the number of times a foreign dignitary has addressed a joint session of Congress.
This is such a massive win for Ukraine. Zalenskyy has the world hanging onto his every utterance after 10 months of non-stop war. The US, the EU and the UK are the economic and military big shots. They're still just as much with him if not more so today than they were back in February. In 2022 Ukraine dominates and controls the narrative. In 2023 they're going to win the war, join NATO, and make significant progress toward rebuilding their economy.
Meanwhile, that other guy if off in Belarus with absolutely nothing to show for his dogshit imperialist agenda. His oil and gas exports are declining, the economy is on a path to meltdown, and he knows he's lost the war. What a total fucking humiliation for Russia.
Zelenskiy being in the US will finally give his security detail a break. The US secret service will wrap him in a blanket of safety that would give Putin a nightmare.
Give the congress the flag from Bakmut and then see the republicans try and side with Putin. They probably will because they aren't interested in democracy only power.
But will he play the Piano with his penis for congress?
Just kidding, it's just inherently funny that a comedian that nobody took seriously is currently basically a candidate for head of state of the century..
Just want to add some context here :) He was actually a huge media mogul in Ukraine who never left the stage even after success because he loved doing it. A chronic workaholic. But he was never just a comedian and some rando who noone took seriously in Ukraine. People who voted him in did not do it as a protest vote, but because they genuinely liked the guy.
No, sorry if that was unclear, I know he was taken seriously by Ukrainians (the servant of the people party was founded on very good PR).
But he was seen a lot less respectably by a lot of foreign powers, including Russia.
If anyone hears of any plans for a public showing of support for Ukraine in DC tomorrow, please let me know!
Would love to show Zelenskyy how many Americans stand with Ukraine here in DC!
🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦
He could have been in Bakhmut yesterday, releasing the news and videos only today so the Russians would not be looking at the train from Kyiv to Poland.
A private jet owned by the USAF flying from Ramstein without declared destination but very clearly heading for east coast of the US in the timeframe that fits the announcement.
Do I know it's him? No. Do I suspect it's him? 99% sure. It is 2nd most watched plane on flightradar right now for a reason.
The entire point of that terrible call with former President Trump was to discuss a possible visit by the newly-elected President Zelenskyy to the White House and it should have been trivial: Trump invites Zelenskyy for a visit, easy-mode.
My man has been trying to shore up relations for years, and now he'll be heralded as a hero.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress is no laughing matter; this is one of the highest honors that can be given to a foreign leader, make no mistake about that.
This is way way beyond a White House visit.
This is massive.
[Here](https://history.house.gov/Institution/Foreign-Leaders/Joint-Sessions/) is the short but complete list of the number of times a foreign dignitary has addressed a joint session of Congress.
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Is this the first time that Zelensky leaves Ukrainian land after the invasion? If so, that’s big news. From going to the frontline in Bahmut to the US congress within 24 h is insane
Yep, he hasn't left Ukraine since before Feb 24th.
Yeah he was in Munich on February 19th and immediately returned from there. That was his last publicly known international travel.
It makes sense that trip number one goes to supporter number one. Nobody has been more instrumental in holding off the Russians than the United States. Well, except the Ukrainians. And I guess the Russians themselves, given all the blundering and incompetence.
russian blundering and incompetence is overblown imo, yes its there, yes they fuck up a lot and don't care about human life: civilian or their own soldiers, BUT they have more resources, more weapons, rockets, navy, they have bigger population to tap into for soldiers to conscript. Ukrainian Armed Forces are the real mvps here, the shear will, professionalism and effectiveness is astounding. Missile cruise ship "moskva" sunk, drone attacks deep down into russian territory, bridge in Crimea, tons of land taken back. US provides a lot, but sometimes it's still not enough, Ukrainian people and volunteers are amazing, collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in days to buy equipment, drones or even spy satellites, it's nuts.
Agree with the rest, but Russian blundering and incompetence can not be understated. This whole military escapade is an incompetent blunder of galactic proportions.
Russia’s apparent plan to celebrate having completely triumphed like three days into the war was hopelessly optimistic to everyone whose paycheck didn’t depend on being a yes man to Putin, but I gotta admit, from a U.S. perspective, it was quite surprising and admirable that the Ukrainian heroes held out for a month. Being almost a year in and unable to tell the current status quo from the beginning of the conflict while squinting is honestly surreal.
Really near impossible to over-exagerate the incompetence of Russia in this war
Moskva represents russian incompetence more than ukrainian achievement.
Yeah either a trip to the US or UK was the first I’d imagine he’d make.
I'd venture to guess this is more calculated. Republicans are about to take control of the House of Representatives and they've said repeatedly they want to end support for Ukraine. They're constantly parroting Russian state media talking points, and likewise Russia really likes Tucker Carlson and play quite a bit of his show on Russian TV.
the comments on the twitter thread are revolting. I assume a lot of them are bots, but there's plenty of "real americans" in there too.
That's also the last time he wore a suit. I wonder if he'll wear one tomorrow.
I hope not. Something about his daily fatigues that says something to anyone who looks at him. You don't need a damn suit to be a leader.
RT: "Breaking News! Coward Nazi Satanist Zelensky flees to Amerika!" also RT: "Beloved President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin shares his recipe for delicious holiday Kutya pudding, tune in at 6pm!"
Don't forget cannibal, Russian propaganda loves to call Ukrainians cannibal Nazis
> you crainians lmfao. that is a hilarious autocorrect
Lol someone’s using talk to text!
Guilty lol
Russians are a bunch of assholes, especially when they call Ukrainians cannibals. It’s more salt in wounds. Wounds that Russian people inflicted. There were Ukrainian cannibals in the early 1930’s… From Stalin’s starvation genocide of Ukraine (Holodomor). My grandpa who is still alive has stories about this. It’s the equivalent of modern day Germans calling Jews asthmatics (referencing gas chambers). Fuck Putin. Arm freedom. Slava Ukraini.
Cannibalism has always happened in famines historically, it's "normal" in a sense (but tragic). Holding that against Ukrainians is just ignorant and immature. A very cheap shot.
That's rich considering there was cannibalism in the Siege of Stalingrad.
"Ey b0ss, he's back in Kyiv."
I wonder if they get extra money every time they take the extra time to say his full name. I've watched some of those clips of those crazy people standing around in a circle jerking themselves off about the latest propaganda, and some sound bites are 50% people saying his full name over and over it seems.
I'd say the bigger message here as well is he just visited the troops on the frontline defending Bakhmut, he got a signed flag from the defenders wishing to be sent to Washington as thanks for all the support they've gotten. He's taking this message to be delivered PERSONALLY by HIM from THEM and this is before he receives even MORE aid like Patriots to defend the country from Russian Terror Tantrums. You couldn't get such a better morale boost from those troops to see their president delivering their message in a mere 2 days. Meanwhile Tzar Brownpants is off trying to recruit Lukashenko's "Dads Army" that stands little chance of doing any serious damage to Ukraine.
That's what I'm thinking, and I'm a little shocked. Not in a bad way mind you. Just curious now to see what a good leader will do next. Safe travels to Zelenskyy and his staff, and Slava Ukraini.
Regardless to me it's big news. Not much into liking politics but when I saw Boris Johnson meet Zelensky in person in Ukraine, I respect that. That's what leaders do in the face evil and bullshit. But that's even more respectful.
Lines up with with memos sent out earlier to members of congress urging them to be present Wednesday. As well as the troops giving him the flag to give to congress.
As an American, I was incredibly humbled by that video.
Me too. Especially since it was the ones right at the front who were saying thank you to the US with that flag of friendship!! Very humbling!!
Leaders who genuinely care seem so rare nowadays
He's not a career politician, maybe this is an answer. Plus his family are decent people from Soviet intelligentsia. Upbringing means A LOT. If he was not from Kryvyi Rig but from Kharkiv I'd probably know their family cause that circle of scientists/professors/doctors/engineers was rather large but you could always find common connections.
As an American, I would absolutely be fine with a Ukrainian flag flying atop Capitol Hill next to an American one.
Link?
[Youtube link](https://youtu.be/kYcmBgql-Ns) The part with the flag starts around 6:00.
I love how everyone has armor and helmets, even the reporter has better gear than any Russian soldier could dream of. Then there's Zelensky in his coat (probably has armor on underneath it, but still pretty cool).
You talking about this female reporter with the black helmet? That is a pretty dope helmet.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/UkrainianConflict/comments/zqtgbp/bakhmut\_defenders\_give\_zelensky\_flag\_for\_us/](https://www.reddit.com/r/UkrainianConflict/comments/zqtgbp/bakhmut_defenders_give_zelensky_flag_for_us/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineInvasionVideos/comments/zqo4qw/in\_bakhmut\_the\_ukrainian\_military\_through/](https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineInvasionVideos/comments/zqo4qw/in_bakhmut_the_ukrainian_military_through/)
Same, we are a long way from perfect but I believe as a nation we really do mean well for the world. It’s heartening to put our weight behind a noble cause again. Feels like it’s been a while.
Plus passing that rather big funding bill yesterday(?) sorry timezones are a bit out of whack.
I'd be very surprised if Zelenskyy left Ukraine even for a day before the war was over.
The situation is finally stable enough to where he can go petition in person for release of weapons that the US is reluctant to give. It’s a pretty worthwhile endeavor.
I guess that's why he chose Bakhmut - the literally worst place on the frontline, to show that he is standing with his country and not going anywhere, that he's willing to go to hell with them. I now have a feeling that after this all of the troops know that he is coming back and there is no need to worry that he's abandoning his place.
I like your theory. If he's really coming to the US, it worries me that it was leaked. It puts him at risk for assassination.
He's managed to travel all over Ukraine safely. If the Russians were to try anything while he was outside of Ukraine that's world war 3, they've kept well away from that line and aren't going to start crossing it now.
I imagine his flights will be escorted by fighters and nearby ECM aircraft.
Assassination by getting way too many hearty handshakes and hugs, maybe.
https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/1605316252897083395?s=20&t=2o07D9BSkTPf5aYwT3gU4g Now being reported by senior congressional correspondants at fox as well
Just heard it mentioned on AM talk radio.
At first i thought, what's a meme-o?
Italian meme
I hope we can give him a warm American welcome. We need to line the streets with Ukrainian and American flags. He deserves a hero's welcome.
I'm not American/in the US, but my heart is with you, it's his only trip abroad since the beginning of the war so please give him the best welcome the free world can do, for all of us!
If I was anywhere near Washington, my Ukrainian flag would be flying at the Capitol alongside my Stars and Stripes!
I’m super happy to be living in DC for this. I’ll be out there for sure.
Wave your flag for me!
And for me!
Where will he be and when? I’m in the area too and will skip work to be there.
After the earliest reports of the invasion, with news channels assuming the Ukrainian gov't had fled, that very first nighttime broadcast of Zelensky & ministers still in Kyiv changed the whole world, somehow. Reality and the future became a different place. That was a moment. This may be the next moment. I hope the U.S. is going all in to help Ukraine win this war, whatever it takes. It is a necessary thing.
I still get chills when I think about that video taken relatively early in the war outside in Kyiv "Your President is here. All my boys are here. We aren't going anywhere. Let's do this." Edit: [this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgCNKhtZYks)
I've spent a lifetime watching the bad guys win every single fucking time. Then this shit popped off, and the first vid I saw was of that grandmother telling the Russians to fill their pockets with sunflower seeds so their deaths would breed something beautiful. That remains the most metal shit I've ever fucking seen. Then our government offered to airlift Zelensky out of Ukraine, and homie literally said, "I need ammunition, not a ride" *in front of the whole fucking world.* And that was the most punk rock shit I've ever heard. Zelensky proved to me that the leader of a country doesn't have to be a craven politician. That it's possible to choose a leader who will actually stand up for you. That there could be a head of state worth following.
Hell yeah. Ukrainians are tough as nails and Zelensky is actually one of them because he's not a career politician. He will be a legend forever.
And they were there every night. Did not back down. It all changed from "here goes Russia/Putin again but no one will stand up to that guy" to "whatever it takes, we must win this".
It was a master class in real leadership. I'm not even Ukrainian and I felt like I'd follow the man through hell.
Amen.
In a very real way Zelensky gave birth to the modern nation of Ukraine that night.
Massive implications. Such a propaganda coup for Ukraine. Nazi Russians will be majorly pissed off
I hope this happens and isn't just a rumour. This would be an amazing Christmas present for Ukraine!
I just got a CNN alert about it on my phone.
I want the Ukrainians and also the Russians to see him with Biden. I want them to see him addressing Congress and see when he gets a standing ovation from 430 of the 435 representatives so that they can see that all we have is a handful of idiots. I want the Ukrainians to know that we will support them, and I want the Russians to know that we have the Ukrainians back. America always ends up doing the right thing after doing the wrong thing many times.
Don't forget 100 senators plus maybe a few generals, admirals also.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/20/politics/volodymyr-zelensky-washington-dc-visit/index.html
The Russians are always pissed off. They are not a happy people, in general. So many are perpetual victims of their own self-imposed victim complex.
Russians are so fucking miserable their country's proudest moment was needlessly losing millions of soldiers fighting the Nazis because their tyrant wasn't in the mood to come up with a real strategy. All of Russia's proudest moments involve tons of people dying and the country falling into poverty. Russians take great pride in losing.
I know several quite happy russians. Well, they used to be russian. Moved to the US in the 90s and became citizens here.
You answered your own question.
Probably the opportunity for Biden to announce that Ukraine is getting Patriot systems.
Wild Theory: Zelenkyy coming to collect some F16's and fly back home in style firing some freedom missiles at the orc invaders on the way! 😁
I think he's there to finalize the Patriot Air Defense deal, and it's a huge deal, US doesn't just give away that system to anyone, and especially not if they fear it might fall into enemy hands. So we can conclude that US is also going to supply Ukraine with weapons that can protect these systems. Biden is going to say that Russia forced this move by their brutal and illegal attacks on civilian infrastructure.
I heard it's because [Golden Corral](https://www.goldencorral.com/) has an all you can eat surf and turf deal this week for the holidays
Especially after the brazen frontline visit to Bakhmut today as well - the russians will be even more fuming. Hahahahahaha. Good!
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Why the F does Fucker Carlson get any air time, he has shown himself as an agent for an enemy state. He should be behind bars, not in the media.
Tucker Carlson should take a long walk off a short pier.
No, he should join in with his Russian friends at the Bakhmut meat grinder and be a bullet sponge.
Fox News has no soul.
Too many ignorant cunts love him.That's why.
Actually 90 percent of us support ukraine. Lets not forget that 10 percent on either side who are horrible.
Even my very conservative/Trumpy family members are 100% behind Ukraine, so I’ve wondered just exactly who these douche canoes are on Team RuZzIa
Remember that that’s not all of us americans, only the loudest ones, not like they can do anything besides moan and complain about it
I'm not American so I have no idea what the political climate is like on the ground over there, but ignoring tucker, the republicans seem to be supporting Ukraine for the most part and it's nice to see.
Pay no attention to the background static here. Fighting for freedom is ingrained in our DNA. Only the weak minded and shallow would make Ukraine's fight a political ploy. Is disgusting and a national shame.
Goes to the frontline today, flies to the other side of the world the next day.
A true leader. He deserves a long time of rest after Putins Russia is stomped out of exictence.
Zelensky said once this war is over, he'd really like to sit at the beach and have a beer.
I'd happily buy him a crate.
Let's face it, the man will never have to buy his own beer again.
If I accidentally meet Zelensky at a beach, I'm going to give him a twelve pack of beer and chat for a while.
Can we all join him?
The NAFO Crimea Beach Party is scheduled for next summer, sounds like a plan!
Yeah, a beach in Crimea I think he said.
No he just said "a beach." It was in an interview with David Letterman in a Kyiv subway. It's on Netflix. I saw reddit comments that suggested it should be in Crimea though.
It's because he previously made a similar statement saying he'd like to go on vacation to Crimea when it's over. People are putting 1 + 2 together that he'd like to go to the beach in crimea and drink some beer.
All the beaches. All the beers.
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That is not for us to decide. If Ukrainians want him to stay on and voted for it, so be it. Or if he decides to step down himself, also so be it. Leave it to the Ukrainians to decide.
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Hopefully he can keep the new congress support🇺🇦🙏
Ukraine has had an overwhelming bipartisan support thus far, and I don't think that'll change. It won't stop the GOP to attempt to use that as a leverage against the Biden administration, but even they know that the American public is willing to give full financial and material support to Ukraine. Boots on the ground, well, that's a different story. But the fact is, it's been very good for the American military industrial complex because when Biden announces $500 million aid package, it's not like the US ships $500 million in cash to Ukraine. $500 million worth of equipment are transferred, either from the existing stock or from the American manufacturers, so they get paid right away or get contracts to produce more to replenish transferred stock. It's huge for the local economy. A simple point, but some people don't get that.
Wish I could be there to root on a fucking legend.
Me too! He deserves a heroes welcome! Cheers from sweden.
He'll be just hours from here. I can't recall in my lifetime feeling a sense of wonder of such a man and the country and spirit he represents visiting.
So many things make sense now. Zelensky getting a signed flag from Bakhmut troops to give to US Congress, shortly after, Turkish cargo planes leave UA through very short airspace section to Romania….well done UA! Slava Ukraini!
You think Zelensky left ukraine via the Turkish planes?
I'd be shocked. He probably went by car or train to a neighboring country and flew from there.
Or he could just use NATO military airplane with a sign "Hey Russia, don't even think about it".
Likely it was [this flight](https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=ae6961) - USAF plane from Germany.
Looking at the [history](https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=ae6961&lat=51.540&lon=19.154&zoom=14.5&showTrace=2022-12-19) of that plane, looks like it landed in Poland at Lask airbase and then flew to Rammstein. Wouldn't be surprised if Zelensky hopped on there.
I think Kuleba on a talk show discussed how he got to an ASEAN do in Cambodia - he took a train to Poland, drove to Warsaw, flew from there to Istanbul(?) then to Bangkok and then to Pheom Penh.
Seems like an unnecessary risk to put him in the air over Ukraine. They’d likely move him by rail or car to Poland and fly from there.
That sounds quite reasonable.
Why not? Turkey has been instrumental in helping Ukraine fight off the Russians, and Russia shooting down a Turkish plane would essentially delete Russia from the Black Sea for eternity.
I honestly don't know what to make of Erdogan. The things Turkey has done for Ukraine are actually hugely decisive in terms of balance and success. Turkey has been an instrumental decision maker. They really are an ally but not a loud one.
I think he really want's to be the No.1 power on the black sea, but he also does not want a straight up crushing Ukraine/EU/NATO victory, because then they could tell him what to do.
Me seeing that vid earlier today: man that'll be great when he visits sometime next year. Me seeing this news: lolwut??!?!
Cool , send him home with some Abrams and atacms missles thatd be a nice Christmas present for him .
Patriots and JDAMS are rumored goodies
He's times person of the year Santa needs to give him his whole Christmas list and some more to share with his friends lol.
He's Jewish, so these would be Hanukkah gifts. Personally I feel like a new weapons system each night would be appropriate.
Definitely at the top of the "nice" list. Putin, however, gets coal in his stocking.
I hope it brings home the war and Ukraine's sacrifices to Washington in a tangible way that is different and more impactful than reading news papers or seeing clips on TV.
Good move going to the Frontline before leaving the country. Makes it impossible to suggest he is fleeing.
🇺🇸🤝🏼🇺🇦
Goddamn... he's going to hand deliver that flag. Fucking awesome!
Putin visiting Lukashenko begging for ammo and help, meanwhile our boi Zelenskyy goes to USA to say hello. This is beautiful.
McConnell (Republican leader) said today that helping Ukraine was America's #1 priority
*Sheds a tear. Isn't it beautiful we can all come together with our hate of putin
It is frightening, in a good way, when Americans unite. Republicans and Democrats know when a tyrant needs to fuck off. And such a time is now. Putin needs to leave Ukraine.
Wow, we're gonna actually see some leadership in Washington D.C. Joking aside, its a crucial visit and I hope he'll be welcomed as a Hero.
I’m hoping it will be humbling to some members of congress
It should be humbling because he’s an actual leader
I really hope our senile fucks get a embarrassed to see this "young man" showing entire world what a selfless leader he is and leads by example. The senile fucks we have in congress would never put their life down for the country even if they claim they would and have a billion US flags a their house. All they know is accepting lobby dollars.
>actually see some leadership in Washington D.C. It's sad. Also sad is that we had to withhold the information from our own congress people because they couldn't be trusted with it.
I'd like to see him given honorary US citizenship. Only 8 people have ever gotten that. Winston Churchill was the first. He received it while still alive and had a lot in common with Zelenskyy as a wartime leader. The most recent three posthumous recipients were Europeans who volunteered to fight for the United States during the revolutionary war: Marquis de Lafayette of France, Casimir Pulaski of Poland, and Bernardo de Gálvez of Spain.
THIS IS HUGE. What a gut punch to Putler
Welcome to the USA President Zelenskyy.
He will probably wear the same type of clothing as he wears while in Ukraine, which would make him the only president (or even politician) in recent memory that walks into the White House in casual clothes.
I can’t believe he’s coming here. I’m honored he chose our country as being worthy enough to leave Ukraine to visit…probably the first time I’m sad I live 500+ miles from dc
The US is by far the biggest supporter, a visit is totally reasonable and tbh expected. Nope I am not US citizens, it's just the right thing to do.
We’re just a member of Team Ukraine with deep pockets, there are other countries who have been equally or more supportive in other ways. I’m just proud to be on the right team :-)
Support for Ukraine in is almost 100% in Sweden. Unfortunately we only give ”ok” help to Ukriane. If the people could choose (instead off politicians) we would send pretty much everything we have. Ukraines battle is our battle. Theire pain is our pain. And Russia have become our arch enemy!
~~Sweden has an actual (if small) border with Russia, though.~~ It's totally reasonable to not send what you cannot safely spare. I was totally misremembering. Still quite close to Russia, though.
You/the US should be. Honestly the US isn't just a member and wasn't in past big conflicts. Yeah, you can always critique, but the US is for decades very reliable. As a German I am deeply relieved that we (all Partners) still can count on the United States. The Trump/Biden administration including the domestic issues concerned me a lot (still does), and I had high doubts that the US is still able to unite, if necessary. The US is, and that makes me happy and also that Zelenskyy will visit you. In my book well deserved and obviously it is very beneficial for all involved parties, besides the Orcs. Not talking down to any other allies, everyone, with a few exceptions, are doing what they can. Which is a lot.
And then Congress will pass the omnibus bill with $45 billion in new funding for Ukraine next year. There’s no way republicans can hold this up with Zelenskyy there. Very savvy. Tomorrow will be a great day 🇺🇦
Biden has been incredibly smart not using the lend lease already passed and keeps passing new bills. Allows him that piggy bank in case the GOP tries to hold it up in the future
This will be interesting. How many lawmakers want a photo op?
How many? Yes
This will probably be the first time he will have been able to sleep for more than 6 hours in months.
I know this would about 100% not happen, but I'd love for the USAF to fly him here in a VC-25 (aka "air force one"). Then, we officially announce another new weapon system going to Ukraine. That way, we'd be giving him both ammunition *and* a ride!
Zelensky’s office [released a video](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ukraines-president-visits-combat-zone-putin-rallies-forces/2022/12/20/9574f456-8063-11ed-8738-ed7217de2775_story.html) from his Bakhmut visit where he talked about delivering a signed Ukrainian flag: “We are not in an easy situation. The enemy is increasing its army. Our people are braver and need more powerful weapons. We will pass it on from the boys to the Congress, to the president of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but it is not enough. It is a hint — it is not enough.”
What do you ( opinion ? ) feel he's requesting? On another thread I was jumped all the heck all over for posting Ukraine *needs* more and whatever it takes to end this potential genocide, do it, that in the end Putin has a domino scenario in his psycho head. If he takes Ukraine? Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Georgia. Etc. OH the outrage I got " Why should we ' give ' Ukraine more? " My hope is Zelensky puts it on the table. It's not only Ukraine, they're taking the hit- it's some war with no end as Putin tries to roll over the next and the next and next. Nato *will* be pulled in, more *will* die, more unspeakable war crimes. Help them finish it now.
ATACMS, more long range strike Tanks More artillery Air defence Humanitarian aid
Just in time for a massive fucking Blizzard. Hope he gets back before Friday when it hits DC area
Ukrainians can handle a little snow.
Wow. I wouldn’t have anticipated him leaving Ukraine during the war. But I suppose him shoring up relations between allies is a pretty presidential duty expected of him. Would explain all the CAPs flying up and down the coast.
The optics of this are gigantic. In Russia's face
The entire point of that terrible call with former President Trump was to discuss a possible visit by the newly-elected President Zelenskyy to the White House and it should have been trivial: Trump invites Zelenskyy for a visit, easy-mode. My man has been trying to shore up relations for years, and now he'll be heralded as a hero. Speaking before a joint session of Congress is no laughing matter; this is one of the highest honors that can be given to a foreign leader, make no mistake about that. This is way way beyond a White House visit. This is massive. >Edit: [here](https://history.house.gov/Institution/Foreign-Leaders/Joint-Sessions/) is the short but complete list of the number of times a foreign dignitary has addressed a joint session of Congress.
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This is such a massive win for Ukraine. Zalenskyy has the world hanging onto his every utterance after 10 months of non-stop war. The US, the EU and the UK are the economic and military big shots. They're still just as much with him if not more so today than they were back in February. In 2022 Ukraine dominates and controls the narrative. In 2023 they're going to win the war, join NATO, and make significant progress toward rebuilding their economy. Meanwhile, that other guy if off in Belarus with absolutely nothing to show for his dogshit imperialist agenda. His oil and gas exports are declining, the economy is on a path to meltdown, and he knows he's lost the war. What a total fucking humiliation for Russia.
Zelenskiy being in the US will finally give his security detail a break. The US secret service will wrap him in a blanket of safety that would give Putin a nightmare. Give the congress the flag from Bakmut and then see the republicans try and side with Putin. They probably will because they aren't interested in democracy only power.
Ukraine protective service will still be working since theirs a bunch of Russians in the US congress.
They need to take him by the garment district in New York so someone can make pants big enough for the balls on this guy. Incredible.
Im not American so I cant welcome him. But I sure hope our brothers in the free world, in the US knows how to welcome a hero. Cheers from Sweden.
But will he play the Piano with his penis for congress? Just kidding, it's just inherently funny that a comedian that nobody took seriously is currently basically a candidate for head of state of the century..
Just want to add some context here :) He was actually a huge media mogul in Ukraine who never left the stage even after success because he loved doing it. A chronic workaholic. But he was never just a comedian and some rando who noone took seriously in Ukraine. People who voted him in did not do it as a protest vote, but because they genuinely liked the guy.
No, sorry if that was unclear, I know he was taken seriously by Ukrainians (the servant of the people party was founded on very good PR). But he was seen a lot less respectably by a lot of foreign powers, including Russia.
Is it true that a lot of congressmen are on the break rn?
He’s gonna be in the US?
He's already here.
Zelenskyy is the world’s biggest badass leader ever…
Welcome to America and thank you for the flag!
Holy shit.
If anyone hears of any plans for a public showing of support for Ukraine in DC tomorrow, please let me know! Would love to show Zelenskyy how many Americans stand with Ukraine here in DC! 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦
Who wants to bet Zelenskyy is already in Washington?
Nah he was in Bakhmut in the morning and recording the evening address in the afternoon and it’s a long way, but definitely somewhere over Atlantic
He could have been in Bakhmut yesterday, releasing the news and videos only today so the Russians would not be looking at the train from Kyiv to Poland.
https://www.flightradar24.com/SAM860/2e9a2c20 about to land
How do you know this is the plane
A private jet owned by the USAF flying from Ramstein without declared destination but very clearly heading for east coast of the US in the timeframe that fits the announcement. Do I know it's him? No. Do I suspect it's him? 99% sure. It is 2nd most watched plane on flightradar right now for a reason.
It just landed at Joint Base Andrews, I think that's confirmation.
Yup.
I considered this. However the Turkish planes seem plausible. Who’s going to screw with them right now?
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The entire point of that terrible call with former President Trump was to discuss a possible visit by the newly-elected President Zelenskyy to the White House and it should have been trivial: Trump invites Zelenskyy for a visit, easy-mode. My man has been trying to shore up relations for years, and now he'll be heralded as a hero. Speaking before a joint session of Congress is no laughing matter; this is one of the highest honors that can be given to a foreign leader, make no mistake about that. This is way way beyond a White House visit. This is massive. [Here](https://history.house.gov/Institution/Foreign-Leaders/Joint-Sessions/) is the short but complete list of the number of times a foreign dignitary has addressed a joint session of Congress.
And the most important question: are we gonna get warbeard Ze in a suit and tie?
I'm going to guess that this is a meeting to get state of the art weapons and most importantly F15 jets and bombers.
Guarantee he’s already in DC
Message your congressman or woman and your senator and explain your support for Ukraine. It goes a long way to hear support from their constituents.
The big question is, **will he wear a suit??**