Zelensky presents Biden with Ukrainian military medal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented President Biden with a Ukrainian military medal during his visit to the White House on Wednesday, a show of thanks to the U.S. amid Ukraine's war with Russia.

YouTube

Watch On

Zelensky awarded Biden a medal from a Ukrainian soldier who requested it be given to "a very brave president," Zelensky said, per The Independent. Biden thanked his counterpart, and said the award was "undeserved, but much appreciated." In turn, Biden also promised to give the Ukrainian soldier a command coin from a U.S. battlefield in Iraq, where the president's son, Beau, had fought.

Zelensky's visit to Washington, D.C. is his first trip outside Ukraine since the beginning of the war. His meeting with Biden was arranged to announce additional U.S. aid to Ukraine, including a Patriot missile battery. "We are going to continue to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself, particularly in air defense," said Biden in the pair's meeting. "We stand with you; you have been a great leader."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Biden and Zelensky also held a press conference at the White House and will subsequently deliver comments to a joint session of Congress.

YouTube

Watch On

"All my appreciations ... from my heart, from the heart of Ukrainians, all Ukrainians from our nation, strong nations, all appreciation to you for your big support and leadership," Zelensky told Biden.