Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a crucial visit to Washington, made a significant plea to U.S. lawmakers for continued military aid in the fight against Russia. Facing challenges such as a large budget deficit, Russian advances in the east, and the approach of winter, Zelenskiy’s agenda included pressing U.S. lawmakers to replenish nearly depleted funding for Ukraine. He highlighted the urgency of the situation in a speech to a U.S. military audience, emphasizing the negative implications of any unresolved issues in Capitol Hill for Ukraine’s battle against Russian aggression.
According to newly declassified U.S. intelligence, Russia is seemingly banking on a military deadlock during the winter to weaken Western support for Ukraine. Despite Ukraine’s success in halting Russian forces, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to push his troops forward, causing significant losses since October. The White House National Security Council spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, underscored this ongoing challenge.
In a photo posted on his Telegram channel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the National Defense University in Washington, Dec. 11, 2023.
Zelenskiy’s visit coincided with a tight timeline, as there were only three days before Congress was set to recess for the year. The Republican-controlled House had been reluctant to pass a $106 billion supplemental bill containing Ukraine aid without including changes to U.S. immigration policies. Zelenskiy and Biden aides believe that Putin aims to outlast Western aid and achieve a strategic victory. European lawmakers shared this perspective, planning to send their own last-minute plea to Congress.
President Joe Biden has been vocal about the critical nature of the situation, suggesting that history would judge harshly those who abandon the cause of freedom. He warned that U.S. troops might eventually have to engage directly with Russian forces if Putin invades a NATO ally.
In a photo posted on his Telegram channel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown, Dec. 11, 2023.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has asked the Biden administration for more details on its objectives in Ukraine and linked the Ukraine funding issue to immigration reform. The White House informed Congress that without new funding, it would not be able to provide additional weapons for Ukraine after the year’s end. Over $110 billion has been approved for Ukraine since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, but no new funds have been allocated since the Republicans took control of the House.
Zelenskiy’s visit included addressing U.S. senators and a private meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson. He and President Biden also held a joint press conference. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans expressed skepticism about reaching a border deal with Democrats to pass the supplemental package.
During his trip, Zelenskiy also met with International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva, as the IMF’s executive board released an additional $900 million from Ukraine’s loan package.
