Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be speaking at the National Governors Association's summer meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Friday. The event, held at the Grand America Hotel, will feature Zelenskyy addressing the attendees on Friday morning. Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the visit have confirmed this to The Salt Lake Tribune.

Accompanying the Ukrainian President will be First Lady Olena Zelenskyy, who is scheduled to meet with business and community leaders during their time in Utah. This visit comes as Zelenskyy is in the United States to attend the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who is currently completing his tenure as chair of the NGA, has publicly acknowledged Zelenskyy's visit during Thursday's opening session. Cox expressed gratitude for the efforts made to bring Zelenskyy to the meeting, saying, "It's something we've been working on for a long time, and they moved mountains to make this happen in just a few days."

The meeting's agenda has been adjusted to accommodate Zelenskyy's presence. An "armchair conversation" on "The Role of Culture in Polarization," featuring Cox, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, and actor Matthew McConaughey, has been moved to earlier in the day. Additionally, a "special session" has been added to the agenda, coinciding with Zelenskyy's scheduled speech.

Members of Utah's congressional delegation have been invited to attend the event with Zelenskyy. Sen. Mitt Romney's office has stated that he will not be able to attend, while Rep. John Curtis has confirmed his plans to be present.

Sen. Mike Lee, who has been a vocal opponent of increased U.S. funding for Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion and its potential NATO membership, is yet to respond to inquiries about his attendance.

Zelenskyy's visit carries significant implications, as it comes amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Sen. Romney emphasized the importance of the United States supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, stating, "It's of the utmost importance to our national security that the United States continue to link arms with our friends and allies to stop Putin from having his way with Europe."

Rep. Jordan Teuscher, who has led humanitarian and trade missions to Ukraine, expressed his support for Zelenskyy's visit, highlighting the strong connections between Utah and Ukraine. Teuscher stressed the significance of standing firmly with Ukraine and providing the necessary support to counter Russian attempts to undermine freedom and sovereignty.

The visit by President Zelenskyy is expected to bolster efforts to secure continued support for Ukraine and ensure they receive the necessary tools to overcome the challenges they face. The outcome of this engagement with the National Governors Association could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ukraine's relationship with the United States and its fight for freedom and democracy.

As of now, there has been no response from a spokesperson for the National Governors Association.