On the occasion of Zelensky's visit
Ukrainian flags and Christmas decorations line the streets of Washington
Ukrainian flags outside the Congress building.
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A demonstration organized by Ukrainians outside the White House to demand an end to the war.
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A few days before the end of the year holidays, the streets of downtown Washington were decorated not only with Christmas decorations, but also with Ukrainian flags on the occasion of the surprise visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to the American capital.
Traffic was cut off on the large Pennsylvania Avenue that extends between the White House and Congress, as part of the arrangements for the Ukrainian President's visit, which lasted for one day, while, in addition to the American flags of red, white and blue colors, the yellow and blue Ukrainian flags were raised.
In front of the White House, Zelensky's first stop that day, television crews from around the world gathered to document the facts of his first visit outside his country since the Russian war against it exactly 300 days ago.
The Americans called him a hero, and compared his visit to that of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Washington in 1941 when he addressed Congress on wartime cooperation between the two allies, as Zelensky did on Wednesday night.
Before his speech to Congress in both chambers, President Joe Biden received him in the Oval Office of the White House, where they sat near the burning fireplace.
In the freezing cold outside, supporters lined up behind security barriers in a show of support.
The 17-year-old Ukrainian student, Yarima, who is studying in the United States, drew herself to the Ukrainian flag in the hope of seeing Zelinsky and visiting the city.
"I wanted to show my support for our president and Ukraine," she said.
In response to a question about what Zelensky could ask Biden, Yarema replied, "Weapons, weapons, but more weapons."
High security measures
Bakhtiar Mandibai, 35, who drove the hour with his children from Virginia to the White House, said he could not have missed the event.
He was holding a stroller in one hand and a sign in the other showing Zelensky calling for more weapons.
"I am here today to salute the greatest man alive," said the man, who is from Kazakhstan, which like Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union and is still under significant Russian influence.
Mandybay, who has lived in the United States for 10 years, added, “Ukrainians are fighting for everyone, including my country, my people.
I mean, they stand up to Russian imperialism.”
Security measures were tightened and hundreds of police and intelligence personnel were deployed on the occasion of the visit.
"We understand very well that Russia has resources in this country, and it may try to do something," a senior US Capitol Police official told ABC.
Across Pennsylvania Avenue past Washington City Hall lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, lawmakers and senior officials in the Biden administration gathered to hear Zelensky address members of Congress.
Many of those present were wearing blue vests or yellow badges marking the visit, while some pinned the Ukrainian flag to their vests.
• The Americans described Zelensky as a hero, and compared his visit to that of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Washington in 1941, when he addressed Congress on wartime cooperation between the two allies.
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