This is how Zelenski’s trip to the United States was conceived

For the first time in the more than 300 days of war, the President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelensky, has left the territory of his country. And he has done it to make a visit to washington At the invitation of the President of the United States. Much has been said about this meeting. Some believe it is a symbolic act, comparable to Churchill’s visit to the US during World War II. For this reason, secrecy and caution are the adjectives that have defined this journey.

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How did the trip come about? After approving the new aid package with Patriot anti-aircraft defenses, the American Parliament decided to send an invitation to the president of Ukraine a week ago, which he ended up accepting. Now the concern was organization of the trip.

• Departure from Ukraine: In the early morning of December 21, a secret convoy was leaving kyiv for Poland. On his arrival at the Przemysl station, the Ukrainian leader was recorded with his team and the US ambassador on Polish television TVN.

• Flight from Poland: Once in Polish territory, they went to the Rzeszów airport, where they boarded Air Force 2, a military plane that took them non-stop to Joint Base Andrews. This plane is used by important US authorities on their trips abroad. Before his departure, Zelensky posted a message on social media: “I am on my way to the US to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and defense capabilities. In particular, Biden and I will discuss US-Ukrainian cooperation. I will also have a speech in Congress and a series of bilateral meetings,” said the President of Ukraine.

• A safe journey: As part of a fully planned operation, the flight left fully escorted to avoid any Russian attack. A German spy ship, the Boeing AWACS, scoured the area and escorted it across the North Sea. So that later the US Air Force F-15, a NATO fighter plane, accompanied Air Force 2 from the United Kingdom.

• The presidential residence is shielded. During his stay at the White House, security was tightened and pedestrians on Pennsylvania Avenue were closed. Zelensky spent the night at Blair House, traditional guest quarters.

Curiosities. This flight has been the most tracked on the Flightradar24 aircraft monitoring page. Such was the caution that when the plane passed through the Atlantic Ocean, the plane’s signal disappeared until it touched American soil.

Another invitation. This summit can set precedents. Today the European Union has invited Volodímir Zelenski to attend the summit to be held on February 3 at the European Commission and the European Council.