In a last-ditch appeal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Tuesday for further US military aid for his country, which is under attack by Russia. He met behind closed doors with senators in the US Congress.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the meeting, which was also attended by Republicans, “powerful.” Above all, Zelensky must convince Republicans to vote for new aid in Congress. A meeting with US President Joe Biden was also on the agenda.
Time is running out because, according to the US government, the funds approved so far will be exhausted by the end of the year. The release of new US aid to Ukraine is currently blocked by a dispute in the US parliament. More and more Republicans are expressing doubts about support for Ukraine or rejecting it entirely.
Russian victory “very, very dangerous for the US”
Senator Schumer emphasized that during the call with his colleagues, Zelensky explained in detail what kind of help he needed and how it would help Ukraine win. He also made clear that a victory for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin would also be “very, very dangerous for the United States.”
The Ukrainian president himself made no comment after the meeting. Republican Senator Thom Tillis told US broadcaster CNN that the issue of corruption in Ukraine had also been raised.
Democrats have majority in favor of supporting Ukraine
Meanwhile, Republican Speaker of the House of Congress Mike Johnson made it clear that the House of Representatives could go on a Christmas break before voting on new aid to Ukraine. Zelensky also met him on Tuesday.
The majority of Biden’s Democrats, on the other hand, are campaigning for new aid for Ukraine – but do not have the necessary majority to get it through parliament on their own. It is Zelensky’s third visit to Washington since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. It is in stark contrast to his trip to the American capital a year ago. At the time, he was able to deliver a speech before both houses of Congress and was hailed as a hero.
New US sanctions announced against Russia
Meanwhile, the US government announced new sanctions against Russia. The US State Department said “more than 250 people and facilities” were affected. Several networks “used by Russia to evade sanctions, numerous third-country suppliers to the Russian military industry and other Russian financial institutions” are affected.
As a result of the sanctions, potential assets of those affected in the US are generally blocked. U.S. citizens or people located in the United States are prohibited from doing business with the sanctioned companies and individuals.
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.
