Calay News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington on Monday, making a final effort to secure the renewal of promised financial and military aid from the United States, a commitment made by President Joe Biden but blocked by Republicans in Congress.
After spending the weekend in Argentina for the inauguration of the ultra-liberal Javier Milei, Zelensky delivered a speech at the National Defense University alongside Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, as reported by the Pentagon.
Zelensky emphasized his country’s reliance on the United States to counter Moscow’s invading forces, denouncing the delays in military aid as a “dream come true” for Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Putin must lose,” declared Zelensky, urging US support and expressing hope for reciprocal cooperation.
Despite being a crucial military ally for Ukraine, US support is in jeopardy after Congress blocked $106 billion in emergency aid, earmarked primarily for Ukraine and Israel. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that Biden remains steadfast in securing what Kiev needs to replenish its troops and escalate efforts against Russia.
Zelensky is set to meet with directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) as he endeavors to stabilize Ukraine’s economy amid the ongoing war.
The critical day of his Washington visit will be Tuesday, when Zelensky meets with Senate Democratic and Republican leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, respectively, along with new House Speaker Mike Johnson. The renewal of funds, potentially running out in the coming weeks, faces obstacles from conservative Congress members, linking aid approval to reforms addressing illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border, a condition rejected by Democrats.
Zelensky’s meeting with Biden at the White House and the subsequent discussions with Congressional leaders will play a pivotal role in determining the fate of the aid package. The visit underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to Ukraine, which is entering its third year of combating the Russian invasion launched in early 2022.
As the conflict continues to devastate regions of Ukraine and displace millions, the military assistance provided by a coalition of Western countries, led by the US, has been vital. The recent blockage of this special aid package dealt a significant blow to Biden’s efforts, who had warned that Putin’s aggression wouldn’t stop with Ukraine and could extend to a NATO member nation.
“This cannot wait,” emphasized Biden in a televised address last week, expressing frustration with Republicans willing to give Putin a significant advantage. The conservative wing of the Republican Party, led by former President Donald Trump, adamantly opposes renewing aid to Ukraine.
While Moscow has hinted at a potential peace agreement recently, it proposes that Ukraine be reduced and neutral, an unacceptable proposition for Zelensky. The ongoing negotiations will determine the path forward in the conflict, impacting the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
