Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington to maintain American support
Aware of the risk of fatigue on the part of America’s great ally, Volodymyr Zelensky will try in Washington on Thursday to persuade the United States to help him “cross the finish line” against Russia, as he said.
The mood has changed since his visit to the US capital on December 21, 2022, his first trip abroad since the Russian invasion in February of that year. Since then, the sense of urgency has diminished and the Republican opposition has taken control of one of the chambers of Parliament. This time Volodymyr Zelensky will not be welcomed with great fanfare at the Capitol, the seat of Congress. However, he is expected to meet with leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties there.
The most anticipated and difficult interview will be with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy. “I have a few questions for him. Can he account for the money we have already spent? What is the strategy to win? », the conservative leader started on Tuesday under pressure from the right wing of his party to stop deliveries to Kiev.
This financial issue is further complicated by the very near-term risk of budget paralysis in the United States if lawmakers cannot agree on at least an interim financial bill before October 1. The discussions partly stumble over the budget earmarked for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. It is “vital” that Congress release the $24 billion requested by the executive branch to help the Ukrainians, John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said on Wednesday.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also has to pass through the Pentagon on Thursday before he and his wife are received by Joe and Jill Biden. This is followed by a meeting between the two presidents in the Oval Office and then a meeting with delegations from both countries. The American president wanted to “get an impression of what is happening on the battlefield” but also “make it very clear to President Zelensky that we will be with you as long as necessary,” said John Kirby on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian president’s visit is logically accompanied by speculation about a new announcement of American military aid. The main actor himself admitted to CNN that he would feel “some disappointment” if he did not leave Washington with a promise to receive long-range ATACMS tactical missiles. The delivery of such missiles “is not ruled out,” emphasized John Kirby, but assured that “no decision will be made.” [n’avait] was taken “.