Pageantry evoking Churchill greets Zelenskyy in Washington

Pageantry evoking Churchill greets Zelenskyy in WashingtonWASHINGTON (AP) — At a time of grave consequence, a wartime leader crossed the Atlantic to arrive at a White House decked in holiday decor to consult with the American president about a war in Europe. Almost 81 years later to the day, the pageantry of that trip was echoed on Wednesday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived for a surprise visit with President Joe Biden and an address to Congress. Zelenskyy is a changed leader since he last came to the White House more than a year ago, when Russia's bloody invasion of Ukraine was still over history's horizon. A red carpet was waiting for him, and Zelenskyy shook hands with Biden and first lady Jill Biden. Security was tightened around the White House, with pedestrians barred from Pennsylvania Avenue.