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.

Source: CBC News December 21, 2022 20:25 UTC