Zelensky appeals for increased assistance while US Congress remains at an impasse

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited Washington DC in an attempt to secure more aid for Kyiv. However, his efforts did not appear to change many minds among US lawmakers. The $61 billion in aid is currently at risk due to a standoff over US border policy. President Joe Biden, who was present during the meeting, called on Congress to compromise and prove Russian leader Vladimir Putin wrong. Despite this, members of Congress stated that their positions remained unchanged after the talks. This was Zelensky's third visit to the US capital since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Unlike his previous visits, this time there was no grand entrance or formal celebration, reflecting the pessimism surrounding the efforts to secure new funds. The latest funding proposal has become entangled in domestic political disputes, with congressional Republicans insisting that they will only support aid for Ukraine if it is tied to comprehensive immigration reform. On the other hand, Biden and the Democrats are willing to allocate more funds for border security, but they view the demands made by Republicans as unacceptable. Time is running out before the Christmas congressional break, leading to concerns from the White House and Kyiv about the implications of the war without US support. Biden assured that he would not abandon Ukraine and emphasized that the country should emerge from the conflict proud, free, and firmly aligned with the West. However, there are concerns that Putin is counting on the US failing to provide additional aid. Zelensky emphasized the importance of sending a strong message to the aggressor by the end of the year. He highlighted that Ukraine's defense is crucial for safeguarding other European nations from Russian aggression. Earlier in the day, Zelensky held closed-door talks with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. He later had a one-on-one meeting with Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, who remains firm on pushing for border issues. Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Johnson showed no signs of willingness to negotiate, even though he acknowledged the importance of further aid for Ukraine. He cited the border as a catastrophic situation and stressed that House Republicans would not budge until transformative changes are made. Johnson also blamed the White House for the delay, criticizing their lack of a clear strategy to win and failure to provide the answers that the American people deserve. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, the US Congress has already approved over $110 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine, with much of it already distributed. The US has not only been vital in supporting Ukraine's war effort but has also played a significant role in coordinating international support. Experts have warned that Europe cannot fill the gap left by the US if military support is withdrawn. Both Zelensky and Biden stressed that without US military assistance, Ukraine could eventually lose the war, albeit not immediately.