If confirmed, it would be his first international trip since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.
Three sources told The Associated Press (AP) that Zelensky was preparing for his visit to Washington.
Two US congressional sources and a person familiar with the process confirmed the plans for the visit, although they spoke on condition of anonymity because of the trip’s high sensitivity.
Zelensky’s visit, though expected, could be canceled at the last minute due to security concerns, the sources said.
The Ukrainian leader’s visit to Washington is expected to include a speech before Congress on Capitol Hill and a meeting with President Joe Biden.
The trip comes as lawmakers prepare to vote on a year-end spending package that includes about $45 billion (about 42 billion euros) in emergency aid for Ukraine. Help prevent Russian invasion.
If passed, the move would be the largest US aid to Ukraine and guarantee that funding will continue to flow to the war effort in the coming months.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi encouraged lawmakers to attend Wednesday night’s session.
“We are ending a very special session of the 117th Congress with legislation that brings progress to the American people and support for our democracy,” Pelosi said in a letter to Congress.
Zelensky addresses various parliaments and international organizations daily via remote video conference. His wife, Olena Zelenska, traveled to several foreign capitals to rally support for the Russian invasion.
The U.S. trip could come a day after Zelensky made a high-risk visit to what he considers a hot spot along the 1,300-kilometer front, the city of Pakmut in Ukraine’s disputed Donetsk province.
A military offensive launched by Russia on February 24, which continues, has already displaced more than 14 million people in and out of Ukraine.
The UN confirmed 6,755 civilian deaths and 10,607 wounded since the start of the war, underscoring that these numbers are far below the real numbers.
“Hardcore explorer. Extreme communicator. Professional writer. General music practitioner. Prone to fits of apathy.”