SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the hundreds of workers who play a vital role in Ukraine's defense in their war with Russia.
We're learning more about the conversation between President Zelenskyy and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro expressed his pride in the state's large Ukrainian heritage.
Zelenskyy is thankful for the workers in this ammunition plant, as he looks for continued support. Under tight security on Sunday, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant.
Thanking the workers who are producing one of the most critically needed munitions for his country's fight to fend off Russian ground forces.
President Zelenskyy also sat down with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro along with other local leaders.
"We are blessed to have so many Ukrainians living here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," Shapiro said.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 150,000 Ukrainians and Americans of Ukrainian descent, the second largest number in the US.
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"We feel a special kinship to them, and all of you in your work to defend Ukraine. We stand with you," Shapiro explained.
"Thank you governor for such words," Zelenskyy said.
During the meeting, the parties discussed regional cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.
"Let's sign the agreement," Ivan Fedorov said.
"Let's do it," Shapiro agreed.
Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, a province in southeast Ukraine, and Governor Shapiro signed an agreement to support the region's efforts to rebuild after the war.
The main areas of cooperation include energy, agriculture, digital technologies, and defense.
"The United States helped us from the very beginning of the full-scale war, but we still count on continuing support," Zelenskyy explained.
The Scranton plant is one of the few facilities in the country to manufacture 155 mm artillery shells and has increased production over the past year.
Ukraine has already received more than three million of them from the US. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to all the employees at the Scranton plant.
"Thank you very much, you helped us to survive against Putin's invasion," Zelenskyy added.
Zelenskyy's visit kicked off a busy week in the United States. He will speak at the United Nations General Assembly annual gathering in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday and then travel to Washington for talks on Thursday with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as he seeks to shore up support for Ukraine.
