Zelensky is expected to come to Washington on Wednesday in a first in-person visit since the beginning of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, the report said.
The Ukrainian president will reportedly leave his country for the first time since Russia undertook a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, media reports say.
The Wednesday visit is expected to see Zelensky meet with congressional leaders and national security committee senior lawmakers from the Democratic and Republican parties.
Additional US military aid for Ukraine would require legislation that Congress will have to process tomorrow, Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman said via Twitter. Zelensky’s visit to Washington was reportedly known to a very small number of lawmakers in Congress.
CNN has also reported that Zelensky may visit with US President Joe Biden to unveil a new Ukraine defense package that could include the Patriot missile system. It has also been alleged that the Ukrainian official may address a joint session of Congress.
A congressional aide told Sputnik that Zelensky's purported speech is meant to "shake down" lawmakers so they include the hefty defense aid in the omnibus spending package.
The Biden administration has not yet officially confirmed the visit will actually take place.