Zelensky receives U.S. award, first lady meets with British royal couple, Musk invited to visit Ukraine

MOSCOW. Dec 1 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has received International Pioneer Award for unbending commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova said.

"Today, I have proudly received another, very special award for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. International Pioneer Award is the highest distinction from the American Legislative Exchange Council, the U.S. largest non-partisan organization of lawmakers at all levels. ALEC members constitute a quarter of the U.S. Congress and 20% of state legislators, and occupy about 300 elected official positions across America," the Ukrainian media quoted Markarova as saying on a social network early on Thursday morning.

Zelensky received the award for his leadership skills, "which changed the strategic map of the Western world forever" and won over "even those countries that have been historically neutral" towards Ukraine, she said.

The award is not annual, and only two persons have received to date, Markarova said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian First Lady Yelena Zelenskaya met with King Charles III and attended a reception hosted by Camilla, the Queen Consort, on the second day of her visit to the United Kingdom, the Ukrainian media said.

"Together with His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal Family met with the Ukrainian community at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral, which founded a unique hub, the Ukrainian Welcome Centre, in August together with the Union of Ukrainians in the UK. Here, they help find accommodation, settle down and build ties with the community, and offer support and comfort," Zelenskaya said on social media.

"Ukraine has been receiving constant support from the UK in practically every humanitarian area," she said.

The Ukrainian media also reported on Wednesday, citing The New York Times, that Vladimir Zelensky had invited U.S. businessman, Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk to visit Ukraine.

The New York Times said that video signal was lost during an interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin and Sorkin joked after it resumed that Musk might have somehow severed the connection.

"I can hear you. Most importantly, Mr. Musk will hear us," Zelensky replied.