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Zelenskyy Honors U.S. Soldiers Who Paid the Ultimate Price
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the United States on September 21, 2021, to pay tribute to U.S. soldiers who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. During a solemn ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery, Zelenskyy laid flowers at the graves of the fallen soldiers.
The Ukrainian president expressed his gratitude to the American troops for their “sacrifice for freedom and democracy,” calling them “heroes who died for a just cause.” Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of the longstanding strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States, which he said is based on shared values and common interests.
The Conflict in Eastern Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and pro-Russian separatists declared independence in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The conflict has claimed more than 13,000 lives and displaced millions of people from their homes.
The United States has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, providing military and economic aid to the Ukrainian government and imposing sanctions on Russia for its aggression in the region. The U.S. also leads diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, along with France and Germany, through the so-called Normandy format talks.
Zelenskyy’s Visit to the United States
Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States also included a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, during which they discussed a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, energy security, and the fight against corruption. The U.S. pledged to provide an additional $60 million in military aid to Ukraine, including defensive weapons.
The visit is seen as an important step in strengthening the partnership between Ukraine and the United States, which has become even more crucial in the face of Russian aggression and growing global challenges.
