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STORY: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy embarked on a dramatic visit to Washington on Wednesday, in his first overseas trip since Russia invaded Ukraine 300 days ago. 

Clad in his trademark olive green trousers and sweater,  Zelenskiy was greeted at the White House by U.S. president Joe Biden along with first lady Jill Biden, where he met one on one with the President and thanked U.S. political leaders and the American people for their extraordinary support.

"Thank you so much, Mr. President. Of course thanks for bipartisan support, thanks Congress, and thanks from our just ordinary people to your ordinary people, Americans."  

The visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine.  Just ahead of Zelenskiy's arrival, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the United States would provide more military aid for Ukraine including a Patriot air defense system to help it ward off barrages of Russian missiles. 

The Patriot missile is deemed to be one of the most advanced U.S. air defense systems, offering protection against attacking aircraft as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. 

BIDEN: "It's going to take some time to complete the necessary training, but the Patriot battery will be another critical asset to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression."

ZELENSKIY: "What's going to happen after Patriots are installed? After that we will send another signal to President Biden, that we would like to get more Patriots." (crowd laughs)  "That is a lie. We are in war, I am sorry." 

Zelenskiy also timed his visit as Congress advances a government-funding bill that includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies, and Republicans prepare to take control of the House of Representatives for the first time in four years. 

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it saw no chance of peace talks with Kyiv, and that continued Western arms supplies to Ukraine would lead to a "deepening" of the conflict. 

In recent weeks, Ukraine has come under repeated Russian missile and drone strikes targeting its energy infrastructure, leaving millions of people without electricity or running water in the dead of a freezing winter. 

As Ukraine prepares to enter a second year of war, a Zelenskiy aide said the "highly symbolic" trip to America’s capital showed the deep trust between Kyiv and Washington and hoped it would disprove any Russian suggestions that U.S.-Ukrainian relations are cooling.

BIDEN: "The American people have been with you every step of the way, and we will stay with you. We will stay with you for as long as it takes."