In Washington, Zelenskiy courts Congress, Biden on military aid

Vice President Joe Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that despite opposition from some Republican lawmakers to giving billions more in aid, the United States will continue its strong support for his struggle to repel Russian invaders.

The Ukrainian leader, Zelenskiy, met with Vice President Biden in the White House’s East Room for a war council as part of a flurry of public appearances he made to rally American support for a conflict that has been ongoing since February 2022.
Biden told Zelenskiy, “Mr. President, we’re with you, we’re staying with you,” before shaking his hand at the end of their two-hour meeting.

Zelenskiy thanked Biden for a new $325 million military aid package, stating, “it has exactly what our soldiers need now.”

He said he and Biden had settled on concrete measures to increase Ukrainian grain exports despite a Russian blockade and tensions with neighboring Poland. He was vague on how to proceed.

House Republican conservatives are blocking Vice President Biden’s request for an additional $24 million in Ukraine financing to pay for the country’s defense and humanitarian aid through the end of the year.

When asked how to win over skeptics, Vice President Biden stated that they must first win over the United States Congress.

I trust the Congress of the United States to make the right decision. There’s no way out,” he concluded.

The resistance was encapsulated by Senator Rand Paul of the Republican Party, a vocal opponent of foreign aid. When asked about the war’s prospects, he told Fox Business News that Ukraine’s “corrupt regime” makes peace unlikely.

Biden announced that the first American Abrams tanks would be sent to Ukraine the next week.

Besides backing changes that would combat corruption, the United States is “committed to helping Ukraine defend itself now,” as Vice President Joe Biden put it.

FLYING DEFENSE
Vice President Biden announced that the United States would ship another Hawk air defense battery to Ukraine, this one manufactured by Raytheon. According to a U.S. official, the equipment will arrive shortly in Ukraine.

Zelenskiy came to Washington on a blitz throughout the city after seeking international support at the United Nations on Wednesday. He spoke with military chiefs at the Pentagon, toured the U.S. Capitol, and gave a talk at the National Archives museum later that day.

During his meeting with Zelenskiy earlier in the day, Vice President Biden praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people and announced a fresh $325 million military aid package for Ukraine.

At the outset of their conversation, Biden remarked, “Together with our partners and allies, the American people are determined to see to it to that (we) do all that we can to ensure that the world stands with you.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Zelenskiy thanked the United States for helping “to combat Russian terror” and promised to talk to Vice President Joe Biden about the country’s defense needs, emphasizing air defense.

“Today I’m in Washington to strengthen our ability to defend Ukrainian children, our families, our homes, freedom, and democracy around the world,” he added.

Although Vice President Biden and most congressional leaders still support aid to Ukraine and Biden’s Democratic Party controls the Senate, Zelenskiy encountered a rougher crowd than on his previous visit nine months ago.

Senator Chris Murphy wrote on platform X that Zelenskiy, dressed in military green to signify his rank as a combat leader, informed the entire U.S. Senate in the historic Old Senate Chamber and received many standing ovations.

Senators were briefed behind closed doors by Zelenskiy, who reportedly informed them that military aid was critical to Ukraine’s war effort. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said this in the Senate chamber after the session.

If we don’t get the aid, we’ll lose the fight, Zelenskiy was reported as saying by Schumer.

After the fact, Zelenskiy said that his interactions with parliamentarians were open and fruitful.

Zelenskiy spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other high-ranking officials at the Pentagon. He and his wife left bouquets at the Pentagon’s memorial for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Washington plans to enhance Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities by hosting a meeting for the U.S. defense industry, Ukrainian business executives, and government officials to explore collaborative ventures and co-production this fall.

According to the White House, Zelenskiy discussed his plans to combat corruption with Vice President Biden during their discussion. Biden stressed the need for robust anti-corruption institutions in Ukraine.

In front of a case containing the United States Constitution, Zelenskiy delivered his address of gratitude to the American people, declaring, “there is not a soul in Ukraine that does not feel gratitude to you, America.”

Doctors who cared for Ukrainian soldiers and civilians received prizes, and Zelenskiy and his wife recognized those who helped raise money for ambulances and other medical supplies.

An increasing number of Republicans have questioned the billions of dollars Washington has supplied Kyiv for military, economic, and humanitarian needs as Ukraine’s counteroffensive goes on and Congress prepares a fierce battle over spending ahead of a possible government shutdown.

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the United States has provided about $113 billion in security and humanitarian aid to support Zelenskiy’s government.