Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky headed to Staten Island University Hospital on Monday to visit his country’s wounded soldiers after he landed in the Big Apple for the United Nations General Assembly this week.
Zelensky thanked Ukrainian fighters receiving treatment in hospital and even helped a soldier out of his wheelchair and stand as the two posed for a photo together.
During his visit, Zelensky paid tribute to wounded soldiers, some in wheelchairs and others with prosthetic limbs. He also toured the facility.
During a brief address to the soldiers in the room, Zelensky reportedly issued the country’s battle cry, “Glory of Ukraine” with the soldiers responding “Glory to the heroes” in Ukrainian.
Michael Dowling – CEO of Northwell Health, which owns Staten Island University Hospital – said 18 Ukrainian soldiers have received treatment at the medical center since March.
“We have an obligation to help with the situation in Ukraine as much as we can,” Dowling said in front of Zelensky, hospital staff and wounded soldiers, according to footage captured by Sky News.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recognized the wounded soldiers are ready to return to help their country. AFP via Getty Images
Zelensky made the trip after landing in NYC Monday.AFP via Getty Images
“It is our privilege to help in any way we can,” he added.
Dr Brahim Ardolic, the hospital’s executive director, said soldiers wanted to return to serve their country.
“We rarely see patients who are so eager to get better to come back to help,” he said. “It’s amazing to see how eager you all are to get better so you can come back and help your country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky poses for a photo while visiting with wounded Ukrainian soldiers at Staten Island University Hospital.AFP via Getty Images
“It’s really something that’s an inspiration to all of us.”
After recognizing the soldiers, Zelensky also presented awards to hospital staff.
Zelensky tweeted on Monday that he planned to attend the UN General Assembly, Security Council meetings and the Sustainable Development Goals summit after arriving in New York City with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Nearly 20 injured soldiers have been recuperating in hospital since March. AFP via Getty Images
“Ukraine will submit concrete proposals to UN member states on how to strengthen the principle of territorial integrity and increase the UN’s ability to thwart and stop aggression,” he wrote on X, previously Twitter.
Later this week, Zelensky plans to meet with President Biden and congressional leaders in Washington, DC in an effort to secure more aid from the US as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches 20 months.
“I will thank the United States on behalf of Ukraine for its help in our struggle for independence and freedom,” he said.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
