Ukraine PM meets US House Speaker in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the capital Kyiv on Sunday, the presidency said.

Zelenskyy thanked Pelosi for her visit, which was not announced in advance. "I am grateful to you for this signal of strong support from the United States," he said in a statement.

He also awarded the Order of Princess Olga to Pelosi for her "significant personal contribution" to strengthen US-Ukraine cooperation and supporting "sovereign, independent and democratic" Ukraine.

Pelosi confirmed the trip, saying that the congressional delegation travelled to Kyiv "to send an unmistakable and resounding message to the entire world: America stands firmly with Ukraine."

The speaker said additional US support is on the way as she hoped to pass a $33 billion aid package for Ukraine requested by President Joe Biden.

The delegation will also travel to Poland, which has taken in the most number of Ukrainian refugees, to thank its leadership "for their dedication and humanitarian efforts."

Russia launched what it calls a "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24.

The war has killed thousands and driven more than 10 million Ukrainians from their homes, including over 5 million to neighbouring countries.