Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Pennsylvania on Sunday to visit a military facility in Lackawanna County where some of the equipment is being built used in armament his country uses it in the war with Russia.
Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (Democrat of Pennsylvania), U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright (Democrat of the 8th District) and other local officials were present during Zelensky’s visit to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), which produces 155-millimeter howitzer rounds for the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom, and our Commonwealth proudly stands with the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom against overt aggression,” Shapiro said in a statement.
Zelensky toured the 500,000-square-foot facility in President Joe Biden’s hometown and thanked workers there while signing some of the missiles. During his visit, Shapiro also signed an agreement with the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporozhye “that will strengthen both states and foster cooperation for years to come,” he said. “Pennsylvania looks forward to building a strong relationship with Zaporozhye as we continue to stand for freedom.”
Zelensky is scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday. He plans to present a “victory plan,” which includes a request to operate long-range missiles on targets in Russia, when he meets with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday in Washington, D.C. While in the U.S., Zelensky may also meet with former President Donald TrumpRepublican Party candidate for president.
Ukraine is not one of the 32 member states of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO), but it is in discussions to join. NATO countries sided with Ukraine in its war with Russia.
“I began my visit to the United States by expressing gratitude to all the plant’s employees and concluding agreements on expanding cooperation between Pennsylvania and our Zaporozhye,” Zelensky said. he said“It is in places like these that you can truly feel that the democratic world can triumph. Thanks to people like these — in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries — who work tirelessly to protect life.”
