Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with the new Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, in Washington today as he tries to restart US aid to his embattled country, Johnson’s office said.
The meeting, which Johnson spokesman Raj Shah said would take place at the US Capitol, could prove key to a breakthrough on aid as Ukraine fights off a Russian invasion, with Republicans balking at sending more funds and the White House warning that the money it has already greenlit could run out within weeks.
“As Russia intensifies its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, the discussions will focus on the immediate requirements of Ukraine and stress the crucial significance of ongoing support from the United States during this pivotal juncture.”
Last week, Republican senators obstructed $106 billion in emergency assistance, primarily allocated for Ukraine and Israel, citing objections from conservatives who opposed the exclusion of immigration reforms they had sought as part of the package.
Zelenskiy’s office announced on Telegram that the Ukrainian leader is set to arrive in Washington on Monday for a working visit, including a series of meetings and discussions with President Biden.
Zelenskiy has been invited to address US senators on Tuesday morning at the Capitol, and a private meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson is also scheduled for Tuesday.
Although Zelenskiy had initially planned to address US senators via video last week, the appearance had to be canceled, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Congress has already allocated $111 billion to support Ukraine, and concerns have been raised about the potential depletion of funding for sending weapons and assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year.
Biden’s budget director, Shalanda Young, emphasized the need for a deal that both sides can agree on to avoid hindering Ukraine on the battlefield.
The urgency for aid to Ukraine is emphasized by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who highlighted the dwindling funding for Ukraine and the potential consequences if action is not taken. Blinken stressed the need for the international community to step up, preventing Putin from advancing with impunity beyond Ukraine.
President Biden is reportedly willing to make significant compromises to move the aid package forward, as expressed by Blinken. While there is bipartisan agreement on the need to address the influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border, Republicans like Senator Mitt Romney emphasize the importance of supporting Ukraine. Romney sees aiding Ukraine as crucial for both global democracy and America’s national interest.
However, some Republicans, like Senator JD Vance, argue that the administration has not sufficiently justified additional aid to Ukraine. Vance is calling for a clear articulation of the goals and outcomes expected from the proposed $61 billion aid package compared to the previous $100 billion.
