Zelensky arrives in Washington on first foreign trip since war

US President Joe Biden promised his Ukrainian counterpart that Kyiv will "never stand alone," as Volodymyr Zelensky took a hard line on the return of all territory seized by Russian forces.

Biden also made clear to Zelensky that there were limits to the type of support that can be provided to Kyiv without risking divisions among its allies.

Zelensky, made clear that he will not be pushed into a settlement that leaves Ukrainian territory in Russian hands.

"For me as a president, 'just peace' is no compromise as to the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my country; the payback for all the damages inflicted by Russian aggression," he said.

The Ukrainian leader also expressed his gratitude to Washington for agreeing to provide the advanced Patriot air defence system as part of $1.85 billion in military assistance announced in parallel with his visit.

"The strongest element of this package is the Patriot battery systems, something that will strengthen our air defence significantly," Zelensky said. "This is a very important step to create a secure air space for Ukraine."

Biden said he is confident that the Western alliance in support of Ukraine would remain united.

"I'm not at all worried about holding the alliance," Biden said. "I feel very good about solidarity and support for Ukraine."

But he also made clear that there are limits to what Ukraine's allies will agree to provide.

"Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Zelensky said at a joint session of the US Congress.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directly appealed for long-term US support on his first foreign trip since Russia's invasion, saying that his country is "alive and kicking."