Working visit of the President of Ukraine to the United States
Freedom must always prevail when challenged – speech by the President of Ukraine at the National Defense University of the United States
Thank you very much!
It’s a great honor to be here.
General Plehn – Mr. President of the National Defence University, thank you for your kind words.
I want to start by saying thank you, Secretary Austin. A huge man, a big friend of Ukraine. Thank you for your personal leadership during this time for supporting Ukraine and defending all the free world.
Chairman Brown, thank you for your vision and support.
And special thanks to you, Secretary Del Toro and Secretary Wormuth, for all your invaluable support to the Ukrainian Navy and Army. Thank you very much.
It’s a real honor for me to be and speak here at this University, known for its years of dedication to fine-tuning the defense of freedom. The world not just knows the names of those who’ve studied and taught here; it really feels the impact of the choices they’ve made or the guidance they’ve given as mentors. And if you look at it that way, Ukraine definitely deserves to be here – represented by our brave warriors, our people, and I believe, as equals. Ukraine has left its mark on the world – that’s something you can feel. It’s probably felt most strongly now in Moscow. And it’s going to keep being felt there even more so, until we tackle this enemy of freedom.
Ladies and gentlemen!
In many speeches and lectures given in places like this University, or similar ones, people often talk about “after the collapse of the Berlin Wall”. As soon as you hear that, you get what they’re talking about – the time period, the emotions, the leadership involved. And most importantly, it’s about how freedom spread like ripples in a pond through Central Europe, then Eastern Europe, and across the world.
The world really did change after that wall came down, starting a new era. They said it would be a time when freedom, human rights, democracy, and market economy would lead the way globally. And that wasn’t just talk. Nations that had been under the thumb for so long and could only dream of freedom started walking that path.
But, the ones who used to suppress freedom, they didn’t give up their dreams either.
Since 1989, freedom’s enemies got stronger, trying to turn their annoyance at freedom’s success into a comeback. They channeled funds into terrorism. Stirred up trouble. Spread hate and stoked the fires of local conflicts, trying to turn them into full-blown wars or at least freeze them like incurable tumors, stifling the freedom of nations. They brought back the nuclear scare. Every decade piled on more problems, and not one year in the last thirty-plus years was safe for freedom. 2022 turned out to be the year when one of the biggest enemies of freedom, with its all out, unjust, and unprovoked war, tried to smash everything built up since the Berlin Wall fell.
Russia’s war on Ukraine isn’t just about some old-fashioned dictatorship trying to settle scores, real or imagined. It’s not just Moscow trying to split Europe again. It’s Putin attacking that big shift that happened back in 1989.
He’s fighting Ukraine, but really, he’s up against all of free, united Europe. He’s wrecking everyday life in Ukrainian cities, but his real target is the freedom people enjoy from Warsaw to Chicago to Yokohama. He’s trying to make democratic countries lose hope, pushing the idea that dictatorships with a bit of market economy are winning this global face-off. This isn’t just about competing systems – Russia’s still got the means to mess with democracies worldwide. Putin’s got buddies in this – each one a threat to any free nation, to regional or global order, to human rights and democracy, be it HAMAS, Iran, North Korea or others. No accidents here – they’re all linked by their hate for freedom. Putin’s crafting his own ideology, and at its core is complete disregard for human life, for freedom, and for respecting any kind of borders – between countries, between people, even between truth and lies. He’s spreading this ideology, looking for allies even here in America. His weapon against you right now is propaganda and disinformation, but if he sees a chance, he’ll go further. Now, he’s shifting Russia’s economy and society onto what he calls “war tracks”. Sadly, he’s had time to do this. But the direction of these “war tracks” is clear – I’m sure you see it.
Russia is set on more than just Ukraine’s land, resources, or people. It won’t be satisfied with just a part of Ukraine, or even all of it. Ukraine is just a stepping stone for Russia, a way to act like that old empire that died in 1989, and to challenge the lead of freedom wherever the Russian tsar likes. Putin must lose – so that everyone else, who sees Russia’s war on Ukraine as his personal lecture at the so-called “University of Aggression”, gets the message loud and clear. Putin must lose!
And now, I want to share three points about Ukraine’s impact… The impact I started talking about at the beginning of my speech.
First point.
No matter what some tsars might want, anywhere in the free world you won’t hear phrases like: “after the collapse of Europe” or: “after freedom in Europe has fallen”. Because you’ll never hear: “after the fall of Ukraine”. We’re going to stop Russia right at the start of its global war against freedom. Right where the first front line is – on our land, in our skies, at our sea. Ukraine is the first front. But we’ve got to make sure – and we can make sure! – it doesn’t come to having a second or third front against freedom somewhere in the Baltic countries or another part of the world. When there’s a chance to defend one country’s freedom to avoid fighting in other lands – that’s what should be done. The current generation of free nations should learn from past battles in Europe. The destruction spread by dictatorships is too greedy, and it needs to be stopped right at the start.
I wanted to remind everyone that exactly on this day, December 11th, 82 years ago, the United States – with soldiers, officers, and generals – America’s sons and daughters, just like those present here now – had to join the continental war in Europe. Now, it’s without American boots on European ground defending freedom against Russia’s aggression. American Bradleys and HIMARS, 155-caliber artillery and ATACMS, Patriots, and F-16s can get the job done in Europe, exactly how global freedom needs it. The whole world is watching us, observing what destiny other free nations could face – to live freely or to be subjugated. Ukrainians haven’t given up and won’t give up. We know what to do. You can count on Ukraine, and we hope, just as much, to be able to count on you.
So, my second point is this.
There are two key things – confidence and security. They’re crucial for internal stability in countries and for international peace.
There’s no human community where evil hasn’t tried to take over at some point. Crime and terrorism are threats to any society. Aggressiveness and disrespect for freedom are, unfortunately, found in many parts of the world, and often hatred rules the streets and hearts. And there’s no defense against this, except for these two things – the confidence of those who believe in freedom and the security guaranteed by the defenders of freedom when they come together, cooperate, and uphold rules that are mandatory for everyone.
Together, we must uphold the rule of law, our institutions and alliances that protect democracy and ensure security, including NATO, so that nowhere in the world, not even in the darkest corner of the planet, is there a temptation to think some other order can dominate the world – other than freedom. America and all free nations need to be confident in themselves, in their strength, in their leadership, so that dictatorships doubt themselves and their power to undermine freedom. When the free world hesitates, that’s when dictatorships celebrate, and their most dangerous ambitions ripen.
Every one of you here understands what it means for a soldier to wait for munition. Waiting for weeks, months, without knowing if support will come at all… Every one of you with command experience knows what it means when instead of moving forward you’re just watching, waiting for ammo or equipment – while your enemy is satisfied and preparing for assaults. Any of you with a son or daughter in a combat zone just wouldn’t get it, if they were told that protecting lives could wait because there’s a little more debating. Let me be frank with you, friends. If there’s anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill, it’s just Putin and his sick clique. They see the dreams come true when they see the delays and scandals. They see freedom falling when the support of freedom fighters goes down. People like Putin shouldn’t even hope to conquer freedom. And we can show our children and grandchildren what real confidence is, as was shown to us… To us when in Berlin the great words were spoken: “Tear down this wall”. We need no-less confidence now than President Reagan had then.
I believe this is our common goals – that the security established after 1989 is fully restored and preserved; that freedom, as then, proves that, “when its boundaries expand in one country, freedom for all people expands”; and that next year, in 2024, the aggression of the current enemy of the free world begins to collapse, just like that wall. And we can make it real.
So, moving on to the third point, ladies and gentlemen.
Our actual achievements are something to talk about. Alongside with our partners, we’ve already accomplished more than anyone expected when Russia started this war. Ukraine is in a battle against a nuclear state and one of the biggest armies… But! Despite everything, we have already regained 50 percent of territory that Russia captured at the beginning of this war. God bless our warriors! We’re doing this under conditions where, unfortunately, the air superiority still remains with Russia. We’re building our air shield, including systems like the American “Patriot” which protect our cities from missile attacks. The Ukrainian economy has grown more than five percent this year. It’s not just a miracle; it’s the result of the courage of our warriors, our entire nation, and the crucial support from America, from other global democracies, from our partners. When cities are safe, freedom boosts the economy. We’re working with President Biden, and I am very thankful to him, so that Ukraine and the US can produce weapons together – necessary for protecting freedom. This will make Ukraine a beacon of confidence and security for all of Europe – for our now joint allies and partners. Ukraine won in the Black Sea. Now, the Russian Black Sea fleet is partially destroyed or hiding in remote bays. Thanks to this, we’ve resumed our maritime exports, including food exports, protecting dozens of nations in Africa and Asia from hunger and chaos. Next year, Ukraine will clear more shipping lanes. And by now it is not a secret that Ukraine’s response to Russian barbarism can shake the ground in the heart of Moscow – it’s a proof of our true strength. Plus, Ukraine is reforming its state institutions, even in wartime we’re fixing the system, to start negotiations with the EU about joining. We keep our promises. We make more strength.
Right now, amid fierce battles, our soldiers are holding positions on the front and preparing for further actions. We haven’t let Russia score any victories this year. Yes, Putin tries to create new problems. But our tactic isn’t just about waiting for what Russia will do; not just about adapting to the problems Putin creates; it’s about effectively solving problems – solving! – that’s the key to victory.
Tomorrow, in meetings with President Biden and in Congress, I’ll talk about what results we can achieve next year based on our achievements this year.
By pushing Putin back, we’ll strip his aggression of its meaning. Then he will no longer be able to deceive Russia, as if he personally and his war have a future. Expanding our capabilities in the sky, especially air defense on the front, will remove Russia’s air advantage. That’s solving one of our major problems. Almost no one believed we would win at sea, but now it’s a fact. We have to win the sky too. “Patriots” and electronic warfare, and drones, and jets – all this will help our forces move on the ground as needed. And itʼs crucial that politicians don’t even try to betray the soldiers because, just like weapons are needed for their defense, freedom always requires unity.
I’m confident that freedom can be stronger than any of its enemies. I believe we can be just as effective in defending freedom now as the free world was in 1989. I’m as confident today as I was on February 24th, when I told world leaders – Ukraine will fight, Ukraine will stand. I’m confident that freedom must always prevail when challenged.
I thank you, America, for your support! And I believe that one day at this University, not only those who studied Russia can give lectures, but also Ukrainians who defeated Russia.
Thank you for your attention!
Cлава Україні!
President of Ukraine met with the IMF Managing Director in Washington
During his working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the IMF's significant support being provided to Ukraine since the first days of Russia's full-scale armed aggression.
"This great support is very important for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. In times of war, a secure financial system is crucial," he said.
For her part, Kristalina Georgieva emphasized that the Fund is proud of what Ukraine has achieved in these difficult circumstances.
"Ukraine shows excellent performance. We forecast Ukraine's GDP growth to reach 4.5% this year. In the third quarter of this year, GDP grew by 9.3% compared to the third quarter of 2022, which is simply incredible. Inflation in November dropped sharply to 5.1%, which is a dream for many countries that are not at war," said the IMF Managing Director.
According to the President, Ukraine's unblocking of civilian navigation in the Black Sea and the functioning of the "grain corridor" had an additional positive impact on the economy.
During the meeting, the implementation of a long-term financing program for Ukraine in the amount of $15.6 billion by the Fund was highlighted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristalina Georgieva discussed the implementation of the long-term financing program, in particular, Ukraine's fulfillment of the IMF's structural benchmarks.
The President expressed gratitude for the IMF Board of Directors' decision to allocate a $900 million tranche to our country.
The parties discussed in detail possible ways of external financing for Ukraine in 2024 and further joint steps to mobilize financial support for our country from international partners.
The Head of State and the IMF Managing Director discussed Ukraine's European integration. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that our country had fulfilled all the necessary recommendations.
The parties also exchanged views on the need to develop an effective mechanism for using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, in particular as a source of alternative budgetary support and investment aimed at the reconstruction of our country.
President had a meeting with the President of the World Bank in Washington
During a working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the World Bank Ajay Banga.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the significant support provided by the World Bank to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale aggression of Russia, mobilization of international financial assistance to our country and active support in cooperation with international donors.
Ajay Banga reaffirmed the World Bank's readiness to consistently provide financial support and share the best global practices for Ukraine's economic recovery.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed interest in intensifying cooperation with the World Bank in the transformation of our country.
The parties discussed ways to enhance the resilience of the Ukrainian financial system during the war and focused on increasing the share of cashless transactions in Ukraine's economic system.
"Creating a true cashless economy is extremely important for Ukraine, and I fully support this project," the President emphasized.
The parties also discussed the strategy for restoring mortgage lending. The World Bank will prepare proposals to create market mechanisms for raising funds from commercial banks in the mortgage market and risk mitigation tools to reduce mortgage rates.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ajay Banga also exchanged views on the mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.
President of Ukraine met with executives of U.S. defense companies
During his visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with executives of U.S. defense companies.
In particular, the meeting held at Ukraine House in Washington, DC, was attended by BAE Systems President Tom Arseneault, Day & Zimmermann Chair and CEO Harold Yoh, Boeing President Theodore Colbert, CEO of Sierra Nevada Corporation Fatih Ozmen, Northrop Grumman Vice President Stephen O’Bryan, RTX Vice President Jeff Shockey, Lockheed Martin Vice President Raymond Piselli, General Dynamics Vice President Mark Roualet, D&M Holding CEO Daniel Powers, AeroVironment Vice President Charles Dean.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the participation of these companies in the USA – Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference last week.
The Head of State thanked all the employees of American defense companies who produce weapons that save Ukrainians and help our army defend the country.
"I want to thank all of you, as well as your partners. I would also like to say something important to your employees: you have done a lot for Ukraine. Without people like you, we would not be able to withstand and defend our land," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the idea of establishing a defense hub in Europe, which will be located in Ukraine, as our country has a lot of practical experience gained through the war.
According to him, to implement this idea, our state is ready to swiftly adopt all necessary decisions, cut red tape, and place orders.
"We are ready to act quickly, and we have already started to do so, since we have no other way to change the system as we are at war," the President noted.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine is ready and will produce more ammunition and military equipment, but it needs support from such powerful companies. Specifically, this refers to joint production of artillery ammunition, air defense systems, artillery and missile systems.
He said that Ukraine also intends to invite American partners to take a stake in Ukrainian defense companies, which would be in the interests of all parties involved.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of a creative and innovative approach in the defense industry, as exemplified by the FrankenSAM projects, which allowed the integration of modern Western and old Soviet technological solutions to achieve quick results in protecting Ukrainian cities and the lives of our citizens.
President of Ukraine met with leaders of both parties in the U.S. Senate and senators
As part of the working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and senators in the U.S. Congress.
The Head of State noted that the meeting was an important confirmation of support for Ukraine in its struggle for independence, freedom and democracy.
The President informed the senators about the military tasks for the medium term. According to him, Ukraine will continue to put pressure on the aggressor next year, so the support of the United States is very important. In particular, he emphasized the need for long-range weapons.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening Ukraine's air defense to diminish Russia's air capabilities, protect civilians, and safeguard critical and grain infrastructure.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the protection of Ukrainian cities is extremely important for the return of people, economic growth and the earliest possible achievement of economic independence. The Head of State noted that even in the face of war, the Ukrainian economy had grown by 5% this year.
Answering the senators' questions, the President spoke about securing the alternative "grain corridor" created by Ukraine from Russia's attempts to disrupt civilian navigation and the increasing volume of transportation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine had fulfilled all its obligations to the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission.
The Head of State emphasized that he would continue his vigorous anti-corruption efforts and work to significantly enhance the anti-corruption infrastructure.
In the U.S. Congress, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with leaders of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives
During a working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic congressmen.
The Head of State emphasized the powerful bicameral and bipartisan support provided to Ukraine by the Congress, U.S. President Joseph Biden and the entire American people to counter Russian aggression.
In the course of the meeting, the President discussed with the Congressmen the key needs of Ukraine in armaments and military equipment, as well as in bolstering air defense, especially with the onset of winter.
The parties also discussed joint production with the United States of the necessary weapons for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the USA – Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference held in Washington on December 5-6.
"Now that Ukraine has liberated 50% of its territories illegally occupied by Russians since 2022, ensured the operation of the "grain corridor" and is winning in the Black Sea, we need continued U.S. support and the unity of our partners as never before," the President said.
The Head of State assured that Ukraine is using all the aid from the United States in an extremely transparent, efficient and responsible manner, in close cooperation with American partners.
Meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Joseph Biden started in Washington
As part of his working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy began a meeting with U.S. President Joseph Biden.
“I’m really glad to be here at the White House today to share some very important messages. I am grateful for the invitation. I’d like to thank America and our partners for their support,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said before the meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.
He also noted that today is a special day for Ukraine, the Day of the Ground Forces, in which almost 600,000 very brave Ukrainians serve, proving every day that they are capable of winning.
“Our forces are advancing. And we’ve successfully defeated Russia in the Black Sea. Russia is hiding the remnants of its naval fleet in remote bays. Meanwhile, Ukraine has set up an export corridor in the Black Sea that’s really boosting our economy and global food stability,” the President of Ukraine noted.
The Head of State also noted that the Ukrainian economy is growing by almost 5%, so Ukraine is gradually becoming less dependent on foreign aid.
“We are moving in the right direction. I want to discuss with President Biden how to strengthen it. Especially, enhancing our air defense and ability to destroy Russia’s logistics. Our goals for 2024 are clear – take away Russia’s air superiority and disrupt their offensive operations. I think it is real,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
In addition, according to him, the priority issues of the meeting with the U.S. President include joint arms production and the use of frozen Russian assets.
“In September, President Biden and I talked about joint arms production, which is very important for us. Today, we’ll discuss how to speed this up. We also need to work faster with the frozen Russian assets – over 300 billion from terrorists. We should use it to protect against Russian terror. I want to talk about some details,” the Head of State noted.
He also emphasized that even during the war, Ukraine continues to successfully reform its institutions to integrate into the European Union.
“People need to be confident that freedom is secure and strong enough to win,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
For his part, the U.S. President emphasized that the decisions made now will determine the future for decades to come, particularly in Europe.
"We have seen what happens when dictators are not punished for the deaths and destruction they cause. They keep going. The threat to America, Europe and the world keeps rising," he said.
Joseph Biden emphasized the importance of the U.S. Congress passing a decision on funding for Ukraine before the congressmen break for the holiday recess.
“I just signed another $200 million drawdown for the Department of Defense for Ukraine,” he said.
“Mr. President, I call on Congress to do the right thing, to stand with Ukraine, and to stand up for freedom. I want to thank you for being here to help the cause. And I don’t want you giving up hope,” Joseph Biden added.
President of Ukraine met with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
During a working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for the first time with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the U.S. Congress for powerful efforts in the protection of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Since the first days of full-scale Russian aggression, the U.S. Congress has been providing our country with significant assistance that allows us to effectively counter the aggressor. The bipartisan and bicameral support of the Congress is a very important factor, and we highly appreciate it," the President of Ukraine emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy was touched to see a reproduction of the Ukrainian Ostroh Bible in the Speaker's office.
The Head of State told Mike Johnson about the achievements of Ukraine's defenders, particularly the liberation of 50% of Ukrainian lands occupied by Russia, victories of Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea and great efforts of Ukraine to implement reforms and return our country to economic self-sufficiency in the future. In this context, the President emphasized the importance of continued U.S. support and additional appropriations to help Ukraine in 2024.
He emphasized that our country is using U.S. military and financial aid with utmost responsibility; the Verkhovna Rada has a respective commission that monitors the use of military aid. Ukraine also continues cooperation with representatives of American institutions responsible for providing assistance.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that even in the face of Russian aggression, Ukraine continues to implement the reforms necessary to start negotiations on membership in the European Union.
President of Ukraine met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House
During his working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the powerful support for Ukraine from the United States, particularly for bolstering air defense and assistance with energy equipment on the eve of the difficult winter period, which enhanced the resilience of our country and its energy system.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Kamala Harris about Ukraine's vision of a just peace based on the Peace Formula and the process of its implementation.
The Head of State told the U.S. Vice President about ensuring the functioning of the "grain corridor" that greatly contributes to the maintenance of global food security.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also informed Kamala Harris about the growth of the Ukrainian economy. He emphasized that additional protection of civilian and critical infrastructure is a key to the return of Ukrainians to their hometowns and the country's economic independence.
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/