Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (left) and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey look on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 (Commonwealth Media Services photo)
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Pennsylvania on Sunday to visit a military facility in Lackawanna County that builds some of the equipment used in the weaponry his country is using in its war with Russia.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-8th District) and other local officials were on hand for Zelenskyy’s tour of the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), which builds 155-millimeter howitzer rounds for the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom and our Commonwealth proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom against naked aggression,” Shapiro said in a statement.
Zelenskyy toured the 500,000 square-foot facility in President Joe Biden’s hometown, and thanked the workers there, signing some of the shells. During the visit, Shapiro also signed an agreement with the governor of the southeastern Ukraine city of Zaporizhzhia, “that will strengthen both states and foster collaboration for years to come,” he said. “Pennsylvania looks forward to building a close relationship with Zaporizhzhia as we continue to stand on the side of freedom.”
Zelenskyy is scheduled to speak at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday. He plans to present a “victory plan” which includes a request to use long-range missiles on targets in Russia when he meets with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday in Washington, D.C., While in the U.S., Zelenskyy may also meet with former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee for president.
Ukraine is not one of the 32 North American Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations, but is in discussions to join. NATO countries have sided with Ukraine in its war with Russia.
“I began my visit to the United States by expressing my gratitude to all the employees at the plant and by reaching agreements to expand cooperation between Pennsylvania and our Zaporizhzhia,” Zelenskyy said. “It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail. Thanks to people like these—in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries—who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected.”