Calay News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington faced challenges on Tuesday as he sought US support for a new aid package amid congressional divisions.
Dressed in a black sweater adorned with Ukraine’s emblem, Zelensky presented his case to the Democrat-controlled Senate, sympathetic to his cause, and later to the Republican-controlled House, which showed more reluctance towards providing additional assistance.
After a meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, doubts persisted among conservatives. Johnson expressed concerns about the Biden administration’s request for an additional $61 billion for Ukraine, stating, “What the Biden administration seems to want are billions more without proper oversight, without a real strategy for victory.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of aiding Ukraine, stating, “If we lose, Putin wins, and that will be very dangerous for the United States.”
Despite Zelensky’s efforts, doubts remain among Republicans, with some demanding substantial changes to US immigration policy as a condition for supporting the aid package.
The visit occurs amid Russia’s claims of “significant” military progress in the Zaporiyia region of southern Ukraine. Moscow aims to exploit a potential winter military stalemate to undermine Western support for Ukraine. The Biden administration warned that failure to reach an agreement by the end of the week, when Congress goes on recess, could lead to financial constraints.
Ukraine is concerned that a prolonged deadlock in the US may also impact European military assistance. The situation remains complex as Zelensky navigates the political landscape, attempting to secure vital support amid escalating tensions with Russia.
