Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office Wednesday afternoon, hours ahead of the joint address he will deliver to Congress, and gave the Commander-in-Chief an award one of his soldiers earned but asked that it be given to the “very brave” American president.
“I want to give you something. One guy, he’s really a real hero, real captain,” President Zelenskyy told President Biden.
“He asked me to pass his award to President Biden. You will understand. He is the captain of HIMARS battery,” Zelenskyy said, referring to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the precision rockets President Biden has been sending to Ukraine.
Biden clenched and raised his fist in support.
“Yes, he’s very brave and he said, give it to very brave president, and I want to give you that and the cross for Military Merit.”
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“Oh, God love you,” President Biden, appearing genuinely touched, responded.
“Undeserved but much appreciated. Thank you,” Biden said humbly, repeating his thanks several times.
President Biden also asked if President Zelenskyy had his name so he could contact him, and called it “a great honor.”
Zelenskyy told Biden the HIMARS system saved many of his brothers, “so thank you very much.”
Later this afternoon both presidents will hold a joint news conference at the White House, scheduled for 4:30 PM. At 7:30 PM, President Zelenskyy will deliver his joint address to Congress.
Watch below or at this link.