Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with governors of the United States where he said world leaders should see for themselves the carnage Russia has done after Moscow invaded his country February 2022.
Zelensky’s appeal to the governors under the aegis of National Governors Association during their summer meeting in Salt Lake City on Friday came days after NATO leaders met in the U.S. capital during a summit and pledged more help for Ukraine.
“The only thing we ask for is sufficient support — air defense systems for our cities, weapons for our men and women on the front line, support in protecting normal life and rebuilding,” Zelensky said.
He added, “This is all we need to withstand and drive Russia from our land and to send a strong signal to all other potential aggressors which are watching.”
NATO members agreed to a new program to provide reliable military aid to Ukraine and prepare for its eventual membership in the alliance.
They declared Ukraine was on an “ irreversible ” path to join NATO and, for the first time, that China was a “ decisive enabler ” of Russia in the war.
Many Republicans including former President Trump have been skeptical and in some cases opposed to continuing to help Ukraine fight off Russia’s 2022 invasion.
President Biden highlighted his differences with Trump over Ukraine after the NATO summit.
While governors don’t vote on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, Zelensky’s appearance showed his willingness to connect with other leaders in the U.S. to plead his country’s case.
