SCRANTON, Pa. — The start of a busy week in the U.S. for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky started in Scranton.
Zelenskyy toured the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on Sunday. He was joined by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and others, like Mayor Paige Cognetti.
The plant is one of just two sites in the country that manufactures the steel bodies for the 155 mm howitzer rounds, which are being used in Ukraine's war with Russia.
"We're so proud of our history here of being able to support the US army, to be able to greet President Zelinsky and show him our support for Ukraine," said Cognetti. "It was just incredible."
There was an increase in security at the plant, along with blockades downtown, but inside pictures and video of Zelenskyy's tour show the intent behind the visit.
From watching the molding and casting of artillery, to a complete look at facility operations, President Zelenskyy got to say thank you to the workers who he says have aided in saving millions of Ukrainians.
"The result of your work. I'm very thankful just from ordinary Ukrainians to you. And what can I say? Thank you so much. You helped us to survive against Putin's invasion," said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he addressed the plant workers.
While his trip was brief and with little fanfare, Mayor Cognetti says Zelenskyy's stop in Scranton speaks volumes for just how important our area's contributions are to the Ukrainian war effort.
"They're fighting so hard, and they're doing so much to save their people and save their country, and not the small part that we play here in Scranton is really important to us."
As the U.S. continues to aid Ukraine, officials say the production of Howitzer rounds in Scranton is only expected to increase by thousands.
President Zelenskyy is set to address the U.N. General Assembly in New York City this week. He will also meet with President Biden in Washington, D.C.
Newswatch 16's Courtney Harrison took a tour of the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant back in April of 2023: