Zelensky in US to plead for more aid for Kiev
4 Min Read
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to make a last-ditch appeal for US help before it expires this year.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy poses for a photo after his interview with The Associated Press in Kharkov, Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
After an invitation from US President Joe Biden to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a meeting at the White House on Tuesday, the Pentagon announced that Zelensky, who was attending the Argentinian President's inauguration over the weekend, is scheduled to speak at the National Defense University in Washington at 12:00 p.m. (1700 GMT) after being introduced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of the administration's warning that funds for Ukraine aid will run out in a matter of weeks unless Congress resolves internal disputes.
During their bilateral meeting set on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky will discuss the state of the battlefield, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, announced on Monday.
“It's a chance for the President [Biden] to get an update from President Zelenskyy about how things are going on the battlefront, but also to make it very clear to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people that we are going to continue to support them, particularly at this very difficult time as winter approaches.,” Kirby said during a press briefing.
"We don't have too many more weeks left in this year to be able to provide security assistance, so I would fully expect that you're going to see us announce additional security assistance before the end of the month," Kirby said during a press briefing aboard Air Force One.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the leaders will delve into discussions on "Ukraine's urgent needs" and stress "the vital importance of the United States' continued support at this critical moment."
A recent setback occurred when Republican senators blocked a $106 billion emergency aid package primarily designated for Ukraine and "Israel." The obstruction arose from conservative demands for immigration reforms to be included in the package.
"This cannot wait," Biden said in a televised address at the White House on Wednesday. "Frankly, I think it's stunning that we've gotten to this point in the first place, where Republicans in Congress are willing to give Putin the greatest gift he could hope for."
The Republican right, led by 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump, has been increasingly hostile to Ukraine's cause.
According to Senator JD Vance, a strong Trump friend, on Sunday, "What's in America's best interest is to accept Ukraine is going to have to cede some territory to the Russians and we need to bring the war to a close,"
Vance declared that there should be no "blank check" for Ukraine, questioning "What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn't?"
The White House underscored the timeliness of Tuesday's meeting, coinciding with Russia's escalating missile and drone strikes against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow's recent signs of a possible peace deal raise questions about the nature of a potential resolution.
To alleviate immediate concerns, the US State Department announced a stopgap provision of $175 million in new aid for Ukraine, including critical assets like HIMARS rockets, shells, missiles, and ammunition. The funding dispute, however, highlights growing signs of strain in Western support for Ukraine, particularly as Kiev's counteroffensive faces challenges and Russia seeks to consolidate its territorial gains. Despite billions spent on Western weapons, Ukraine's front lines have seen minimal shifts, with Russian operations intensifying over the past year.
