US President Joe Biden invited Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyi to Washington, as he believes that the war in Ukraine has entered a new phase. This was stated by the coordinator of strategic communications at the National Security Council, John Kirby, in a comment to CNN.
As Kirby said, the talks are expected to focus on continuing US military and economic aid, along with maintaining sanctions against Russia and supporting the Ukrainian people.
"The president really believes that as we approach winter, as we enter a new phase of this war, Mr. Putin's aggression, that this is a good time for the two leaders to sit down face to face and talk," Kirby emphasized.
In addition, Kirby noted that the leaders of the states will also discuss possible ways to end the war, calling this topic rather pedantic, as it has become the subject of some disagreements among Western leaders.
"I have no doubt that they will talk about President Zelenskyi's concept of a "just world" and what it looks like, what its components are and how we will help Ukraine achieve it," the speaker noted.
At the same time, Kirby continued that the American authorities are aware that the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, is obviously not interested in diplomacy at the moment.
"Just the opposite. He is interested in killing more peaceful Ukrainian citizens," he emphasized.
Kirby commented on the visit of the President of Ukraine, noting that Zelensky was aware of the risks he was taking by leaving Ukraine. That's why the US is working to make this trip safe.
"We are working with him and his staff to ensure that we can ensure the safety of this trip for Zelenskyi, both to and from the United States. We will continue to support his travel requirements to the extent possible," he said.