Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has inspired worldwide admiration for rallying his country against the Russian invasion, arrived in Washington today. He left Ukrainian territory for the first time in 300 days of the war.

Stopping at the White House and the Capitol, what signals does Zelensky intend to send to US President Joe Biden, members of Congress and the American people? What this trip means for him and for Ukraine? Atlantic Council experts tried to answer these questions.

Zelensky wants more advanced weapons and open support for Ukraine's victory.

The Ukrainian president arrived in the US capital just as the Biden administration officially announced that it was going to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.. Given the massive Russian shelling of Ukrainian infrastructure, such weapons are already worth Zelensky's visit, says former US ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst.

He explains that the visit allows the presidents of Ukraine and the United States to sit down and talk about the war.. In addition, Zelensky can address Congress and thank the American people for the strong support that helped Ukraine withstand the Russian invasion..

“But Zelensky would like the Biden administration to publicly support Ukraine’s victory in this war and give more advanced weaponry, in particular artillery and missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers, as well as tanks and fighter jets, that would allow Ukraine to retake its territories faster.. Unfortunately, the hesitation in the White House makes an outcome that serves American interests unlikely,” said Herbst..

USA is still the leader of the free world.

President Zelensky chose Washington for his first foreign visit since the start of the war because Ukrainians look to the United States as the leader of the free world without irony or mixed feelings.. This opinion was expressed by former State Department sanctions policy coordinator and former US Ambassador to Poland Daniel Fried..

[see_also ids\u003d"

“Zelensky is going to Washington, not to Brussels, Paris, Berlin or London, because when the stakes are made, it is the United States that has the power to influence issues of war and peace. He knows it just like Winston Churchill knew in 1940 when Adolf Hitler bombed Britain,” explains the expert..

Zelenskiy also knows that there are few leftists in the US and many rightists loyal to Donald Trump who oppose the Biden administration’s commitment to Ukraine and the free world in general.. Whatever the people in this camp are called, but, according to Fried, they openly seek " After all, after that, Putin will begin to consolidate forces for a new aggression.

Zelensky travels to warn US against bad deals with dictators. He will not just thank the United States and Americans for their support. He will praise our support for freedom over the past century, trying to remind us of our best strategic traditions, which included helping those who are fighting for their freedom and ours,” Fried said..

A change of mindset in Washington is needed.

The White House still believes that Ukraine is not capable of winning the war. And sending her long-range missiles will only lead to an escalation.

“Zelensky is going to change the mood and destroy the myth about these self-imposed restrictions. He also wants to convince the world to give and do more for Ukraine during the holiday season,” emphasizes Melinda Hering, Associate Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council..

[see_also ids\u003d"

Ian Brzezinski, former assistant secretary of defense for Europe and NATO, agrees, pointing out that Zelensky's visit to Washington comes just as the war is at a crossroads.. And this moment will determine whether Kyiv will continue to prosper on the battlefield, as it has been of late, or the situation will slide into a long-term and brutal stalemate, in which Ukraine will pay a very high price, and the economic burden on the West will become even greater..

Brzezinski Recalls Biden Administration's Decision to Send Patriot Air Defense Systems to Ukraine to Help Fight Massive Russian Shelling of Ukrainian Infrastructure.

“Zelensky thanked for this, but Kyiv also needs offensive capabilities to drive Russian forces out of Ukrainian territory.. And these are tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, aircraft, as well as long-range artillery and missiles. All this is needed immediately in order to bring the war to its just and decisive end,” the expert explains..

He adds that Zelensky will have to convince Washington to let go of the fear that a quick Ukrainian victory will force Russia to use nuclear weapons.. Meeting with Biden will provide the best opportunity to do so..

Opportunities to destroy not only arrows, but also the archer.

According to the director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, Matthew Kronig, who previously held positions in the US Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, Zelensky will try to convince the American public and the new Congress that helping Ukraine is in their favor..

[see_also ids\u003d"

At the White House, Zelensky will try to convince Biden that he should lift unjustified restrictions on arms sales and give Kyiv the funds needed " According to the expert, it should be easy enough.

“The greatest challenge to US national security is that, for the first time in history, it has to face two nuclear rivals: Russia and China.. By arming Ukraine, the US can greatly reduce the Russian military threat without risking American lives.. Therefore, there is hope that Zelensky's trip and the Ukrainian military effort will succeed,” Kronig said..