Staff Reports
President Joe Biden welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House with open arms on Thursday, in a desperate attempt to secure continued assistance for Ukraine amidst Russia’s invasion. However, Congress seems to be split on whether or not to provide the much-needed aid, adding a layer of difficulty to the already strained situation.
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During their meeting, President Biden is expected to announce a new military assistance package for Ukraine worth over $325 million. This package includes significant air defense capabilities, which could be crucial in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. However, the Biden administration is facing an uphill battle in Congress, as both Republicans and Democrats have growing concerns about the aid request.
The United States has already provided $113 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and other countries affected by the war. However, the current funding is set to run out soon, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is urging Congress to provide additional resources to prevent a disruption in the supply.
Some Republican lawmakers, however, are demanding answers before approving any more funding. They want to know how the previous funds were used and what progress has been made in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy even turned down Zelenskyy’s request to address a joint session of Congress, citing a lack of time due to ongoing negotiations to fund the government and avoid a shutdown.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s recent address to the United Nations General Assembly has ruffled some feathers, particularly in Poland. The Polish Prime Minister announced that his country would stop providing weapons to Ukraine following a dispute over grain exports. Zelenskyy accused some European countries of pretending to support Ukraine while secretly aiding Russia, further straining diplomatic relations.
Overall, President Biden’s meeting with Zelenskyy is an attempt to garner support and funding for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. However, with Congress divided and European allies growing frustrated, the future of Ukraine’s aid remains uncertain.
