President Zelensky Planned to Washington Today, Visit the White House to Speeches at the US Congress

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit the White House and US Capitol Hill on Wednesday, although security concerns could force a change of plans, two sources familiar with the plans said Tuesday.

US outlet Punchbowl News was first to report on the potential trip, which would be President Zelensky's first known visit outside Ukraine, since Russia launched its attack on the country on February 24.

Launch Reuters December 21 President Zelensky is expected to meet the leadership of the US Congress and the heads of the Republican and Democratic national security committees, and could address a joint session of Congress.

Yesterday, President Zelensky made an unannounced trip to troops in the battered eastern frontline town of Bakhmut, underlining Russia's stammering but determined attempt to seize it.

In a video speech late Tuesday, he referred to his trip to the "Fortress Bakhmut" in Donetsk, one of the provinces Russia claimed in September but most countries reject as illegal occupation.

President Zelensky last left Ukraine for the Munich Security Conference on February 19, according to his official schedule. His spokesman did not immediately respond to a written message seeking confirmation.

Earlier on Tuesday, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said there would be a session of Congress on Wednesday night that would have a "special focus on democracy."

Pelosi's remarks, which came in the form of a letter, did not specify what would be discussed at the hearing. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on reports of President Zelensky's visit.

Meanwhile, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, co-chair of the Ukraine Congressional Caucus, told CBS News there are ongoing efforts to get President Zelensky into the Capitol on Wednesday and allow him to address Congress.

"We would be very honored to have him visit. I am amazed that he was able to attend given the circumstances. It would be a great gift to have him in the Capitol. We are working with the administration to assist. We personally understand if he is unable to be present at the minute-" last minute," Kaptur said as quoted by CBS News.