Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to visit the White House and Capitol Hill today to make a final appeal to U.S. lawmakers regarding the continuation of military assistance during the war with Russia.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire as winter approaches, threatening Russian advances to the east, tens of thousands of casualties, and a massive budget deficit.
Zelenskiy is anticipated to urge U.S. lawmakers to replenish the on-the-verge of depleting funds prior to his meeting with President Joe Biden.
Zelenskiy addressed a U.S. military audience in Washington on Monday, saying, “If there’s anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill, it’s just (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his sick clique.” His speech was recorded on Monday.
Adrienne Watson, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, stated that newly declassified U.S. intelligence indicates that “Russia appears to believe that a military impasse through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine” and ultimately give Russia the upper hand despite Russian losses.
Congress adjourns for the year on Friday, and thus far, Republicans in the House of Representatives have been obstinate in their refusal to approve a $106 billion supplemental bill containing Ukraine aid unless it does not incorporate contentious modifications to U.S. immigration that are unrelated to the aid bill in question.
Zelenskiy and Biden aides believe Putin, who declared last week that he would run for president again in 2024, is wagering that he can score a major strategic victory against the West despite Western aid and attention.
President Biden warns that if an unchecked Vladimir Putin invades a European ally covered by NATO’s mutual defense commitments, ultimately, American troops may be compelled to engage in combat with Russia.
In a letter to the Biden administration published last week, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that lawmakers require additional information regarding the administration’s goals in Ukraine. Johnson also drew a connection between the matter and immigration.
Biden has laid the situation bare by stating, “History is going to judge harshly those who turn their back on freedom’s cause.”
