The Ukrainian president is currently on a sensitive American mission. In addition to appointments to the UN General Assembly, he mainly wants to talk to Republicans, because support there for further help in Russia’s defense is gradually eroding. However, US President Joe Biden demonstratively supported Zelensky.
Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelensky was received by US President Joe Biden at the White House during his visit to Washington. Biden and his wife Jill welcomed Zelensky and his wife Olena to the presidential residence on Thursday.
Zelenskyj is counting on “continuing support”
Biden and Zelenskyj then withdrew for a conversation. Zelenskyi visited the US Congress in the morning and, in talks with representatives and senators, pleaded for further help in the war against Russia.
The Ukrainian president then said he was counting on the “long-term support” of the United States. “To win we have to be strong together. And win together.” Meanwhile, Biden’s security adviser Jake Sullivan announced a new package of military aid to Kiev. However, he made it clear that the package does not include ATACMS missiles, which is what Zelenskyy wants.
Democrats emphasize the urgency of aid
Given the increasing war weariness and sometimes open rejection, Zelensky is on a delicate mission to the United States. The 45-year-old met with senators and representatives in the US Congress on Thursday. Zelenskiy warned senators of the dangers if further funding for Ukraine is not approved, US Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
“There was one single sentence that summed it all up, and I quote it verbatim: ‘If we don’t get the aid, we’re going to lose the war,'” Schumer told reporters about Zelensky, according to US broadcaster CNN. . His colleague from the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, agreed with him. “It is important that we stand with Ukraine until victory is achieved,” the top Democrat in the House of Representatives said.
Zelensky’s image of the hero has changed
The Ukrainian president was already a guest in Washington at the end of December. At the time, he was given a hero’s welcome and addressed both houses of Congress to cheers from representatives and senators. The US is Ukraine’s most important ally. Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression, the United States says it has provided more than $43 billion in military aid to Kiev – far more than any other country. There is also extensive economic assistance.
But since Zelensky’s visit shortly before Christmas, the political situation in Washington has changed. Republicans have been in control of the U.S. House of Representatives since January, and there is considerable skepticism within their ranks about whether the U.S. should continue pumping money on a massive scale into a war with no end in sight.
Speech to American parliamentarians was cancelled
And so this time Zelensky met with senators and representatives behind closed doors. A big speech was canceled. Republican leader Kevin McCarthy made it clear that he had rejected that request. “We don’t have time for a joint meeting,” American media quoted him as saying.
The majority of Republicans in Congress support aid to Ukraine. Right-wing hardliners in particular are against it. “The US is wasting money we don’t have to pay for this war, while the EU and other world leaders are absent from the world stage,” said Republican Senator Roger Marshall. For this reason he also stayed away from the meeting with the Ukrainian president.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
