Zelensky meets with U.S. ambassador to UN, actor Sean Penn

MOSCOW. Nov 9 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has met with U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the Ukrainian media said with the reference to the Ukrainian presidential press service.

"The head of state thanked the American people, U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration, as well as the U.S. Congress for the strong bipartisan, bicameral support for Ukraine," the report said.

The U.S. partners were informed about the damage done to 40% of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which cut power supply to over 4.5 million consumers in Ukraine.

Food security was a separate item on the agenda. Zelensky noted the role of the United Nations and, personally, its secretary-general, in the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which supplies foods to millions of people in Africa, Asia and Europe. The sides noted the need for extending the grain deal after November 19.

"I think we can deal with this problem together," Zelensky said.

In turn, Thomas-Greenfield underlined the U.S. support for President Zelensky's stance on negotiations with Russia.

"The international community is standing with Ukraine. Ukraine has to be in the driver's seat, but we certainly support their efforts," she told Ukrainian reporters in Kiev on Tuesday.

Thomas-Greenfield said she had assured the Ukrainian administration during her visit that U.S. President Joe Biden was committed to work with the Congress team on further support for Ukraine.

She also announced an additional $25 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support vulnerable people in Ukraine during the winter ahead.

The Ukrainian media said additionally that Zelensky met with U.S. actor, film director Sean Penn during his third visit to Ukraine since the end of February. The Ukrainian Presidential Office said they discussed possibilities of support for Ukraine.

Penn said he was working on a film about Ukraine. Zelensky and Penn visited the Alley of Courage on Constitution Square in Kiev, where Penn's plaque is.

Zelensky decorated Penn with the Order of Merit of the 3d Degree.