Kyiv, Ukraine - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to Kyiv on Friday following a trip to the United States, saying he is determined to fight for victory.

"We are working for victory. Good day to all!" Zelensky said in a video released on Telegram. He said he was happy to hear the phone ring and wished everyone good health.

Zelensky travelled to Washington earlier this week for a landmark meeting with President Joe Biden in the Ukrainian leader's first trip abroad since Russia invaded his country in February.

The US is Ukraine's largest single financial and military backer. Washington pledged $1.85 billion in additional military assistance during the meeting, including the first transfer of a Patriot air defense system.

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Zelensky had already said he was delighted with the results of the meeting, saying he was returning home with "what really helps."

On his way back to Ukraine, Zelensky made a stopover in Poland to meet Polish President Andrzej Duda, another important ally.

Russia, meanwhile, vowed to destroy the Patriot air defense system, claiming that "demilitarization" of Ukraine was among Moscow's goals.

The Kremlin's war effort in Ukraine is faltering, though Moscow recently said it wants to expand its armed forces.

On December 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin was presented with plans to expand the Russian military by around 30% to 1.5 million personnel, but according to the British Ministry of Defense, it remains unclear when this level will be achieved.

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Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the expansion would involve at least two brigades in north-western Russia growing to divisional strength.

It's not obvious where Russia will find the recruits to complete such an expansion at a time when its forces are facing unprecedented pressure in Ukraine, the British ministry said.