Volodymyr Zelensky took his fight for more money and weapons to the White House, hinting to President Joe Biden that he wants more missiles as conservative Republicans refuse to budge on aid to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president spent Thursday morning on Capitol Hill asking lawmakers for their support. But right-wing Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives are cutting back on aid, even as many Republican senators support sending more money to Kiev.
And it seems that Zelensky did not manage to convince them of this. The party’s right wing voted against Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s defense bill, and Conservative MP Marjorie Taylor Greene said she voted “no” because the bill included money for Ukraine.
“Our defense bill should not fund our Defense Department with blood money for the war in Ukraine, so I am a NO vote,” she wrote on X
However, Biden indicated that he expected Congress to ultimately approve his $24 billion proposal for Kyiv, saying there was “no alternative.”
“I count on the good judgment of the US Congress.” “There is no alternative,” he said.
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska in the South Portico of the White House
President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office
Jill Biden hugs Olena Zelenska as President Joe Biden greets President Volodymyr Zelensky upon their arrival at the White House
Zelensky said he had candid discussions with lawmakers during his closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill.
But his country’s financing is falling victim to a civil war among Republicans in the House of Representatives. The conservative wing of the Republican Party does not support more money for Kiev and has rejected budget proposals that would.
Biden, meanwhile, announced a new $325 million military aid package for Ukraine, although it didn’t include all the bells and whistles on Zelensky’s wish list.
The Ukrainian president wants ATACMS, long-range tactical missiles that Kiev is demanding to hit Russian targets in the rear of the fight.
“When it comes to weapons, we will discuss everything, with a special focus on air defense,” Zelensky said.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan said before Zelensky’s arrival at the White House that President Biden would announce a tranche of military aid today, “including significant air defense capabilities, to help Ukraine.”
This includes additional ammunition for the US-provided HIMAR systems, anti-tank capabilities, artillery and ammunition. However, the ATACMS will not be included.
In addition, the first Abrams tanks would be delivered to Ukraine next week, Biden announced.
“We have also focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to protect critical infrastructure,” Biden said.
Zelensky thanked Biden for “very productive, strong negotiations.” And today we have some important results.’
“It has what our soldiers need now,” he said.
Zelensky and his wife Olena received a warm welcome on the South Lawn from Joe and Jill Biden. Hugs were exchanged and the Bidens rolled out the red carpet for the Ukrainian president and first lady.
Calling Ukraine a “partner,” President Biden said the U.S. is “formalizing our commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security alongside the G7 and other partners.”
“We support a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
The pressure is on Zelensky, who spent his visit to Washington DC with stops on Capitol Hill, the Pentagon and the White House, to appeal for help after Poland cut off arms shipments during one of Russia’s most brutal missile campaigns. Warsaw said it would only deliver the weapons it had already promised.
The Biden administration is pushing for Congress to approve an additional $24 billion in funding. Zelensky met with lawmakers on Thursday to persuade skeptical Republicans in Congress to continue sending financial support.
“If we don’t get the help, we will lose the war,” Zelensky said, as Senator Chuck Schumer put it.
On Thursday morning, Zelensky met with the speaker, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other committee chairs and ranking members on the first floor of the Capitol.
McCarthy, in particular, did not come out to greet the Ukrainian leader. Jeffries met Zelensky at the entrance to the Capitol and accompanied him to the meeting point.
After the meeting, McCarthy said he remained noncommittal on the $24 billion aid package for Ukraine, but said Zelensky had answered many questions from lawmakers about the status of the war.
President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands during an expanded bilateral meeting in the East Room of the White House
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walks down the colonnade to the Oval Office during a visit to the White House with US President Joe Biden
Volodymyr Zelensky met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Thursday to persuade skeptical Republicans to continue sending aid
Ukraine’s president urged Capitol lawmakers to “stay strong” and support Kiev after Poland cut off arms shipments during one of Russia’s most brutal missile campaigns
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (r) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley (l) attend a wreath-laying ceremony on 9/11 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (2nd right) and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. Pentagon memorial
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcome President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska to the White House
Zelensky is asking the Biden administration for more help with air defense
President Biden announces a new aid package for Ukraine during his meeting with Zelensky
McCarthy and Zelensky met behind closed doors, where the Ukrainian president was present told lawmakers: “When this war started, you said to me: Ukraine, stay united and stay strong.” “I come back and say to the United States: stay united and stay strong.”
Before his visit, Zelensky asked to give another joint speech to Congress, as he did last December, Punchbowl News reported, but spokesman Kevin McCarthy rejected the request.
“Zelensky asked us for a joint meeting and we just didn’t have time,” McCarthy told reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday morning, noting that the Ukrainian president had already addressed Congress. Zelensky spoke at a joint session in December when Nancy Pelosi was still speaker.
Congress has already approved more than $110 billion to Kyiv since Vladimir Putin’s invasion, and some right-wing members of the Republican Party have warned the White House that they will reject Biden’s request to send another $24 billion.
Congress has not yet passed any of the 12 spending bills needed to keep the government running. This has to be done by September 30th, otherwise the government will shut down.
Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul said Zelensky told lawmakers “he was winning” the war as part of his plea.
He said Zelensky told them he needed air support and long-range artillery for his soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to the Capitol by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) leave the Old Senate Chamber after meeting with senators
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Pentagon
Dispute between Ukraine and Poland related to grain bans
Tensions have increased between Ukraine and Poland, its neighbor and primary ally, over grain shipments.
Several European Union countries have previously imposed a ban on Ukrainian grain to protect their own farmers.
Last week the EU announced plans to suspend the ban. But three countries – Poland, Hungary and Slovakia – said they would keep it.
Ukraine protested and filed lawsuits against all three countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned the ban in his address to the United Nations, saying: “It is alarming to see how some in Europe, some of our friends in Europe, show solidarity in a political theater and turn the core into a thriller. “
He accused them of supporting Moscow. Poland condemned the comments and summoned its ambassador from Ukraine.
Ukraine’s dispute with Poland is damaging Ukraine’s efforts.
Zelensky tried to fan the flames.
Although Zelensky criticized Poland at the United Nations on Wednesday, he was more conciliatory in his speech in the Oval Office on Thursday.
“I would like to thank the Polish people and society for their support.” “That’s it,” he said.
His friendly comment came as Poland announced it would no longer supply weapons to Kiev.
“We are no longer transferring weapons to Ukraine because we are now equipping Poland with more modern weapons,” said Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
Tensions between Warsaw and Kiev, sparked by Poland’s ban on Ukrainian grain imports to protect the interests of its farmers, have escalated in recent days.
Poland was one of Ukraine’s earliest and most loyal allies after Russia’s invasion. It has hosted over a million refugees and has been Kiev’s largest arms supplier.
Poland has delivered hundreds of Soviet-era tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine’s war effort, as well as 14 MiG-29 fighter jets.
Warsaw government spokesman Piotr Müller said on Thursday that Poland “carries out only previously agreed deliveries of ammunition and weapons, including those resulting from the contracts signed with Ukraine.”
Asked whether Warsaw would choose not to sign new arms supplies to Kiev, Mueller declined to answer.
In the US, Zelensky is focusing on Republicans in the House of Representatives, who have made it clear they oppose more funding for Ukraine.
McCarthy’s stopgap measure to keep the government running while lawmakers negotiate a full budget deal lacks any funding for Kyiv.
President Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska lay flowers at the 9/11 Memorial in the Pentagon
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is accompanied by US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at the Capitol
Senator Chris Murphy posted a photo of Zelensky’s private meeting with senators
President Zelensky meets with senators in the old Senate chamber
A framed flag signed by Ukrainian frontliners in Bakhmut and presented to the U.S. Congress in 2022 lies at one end of the table where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet privately with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other leaders
Spokesman Kevin McCarthy has questioned US funding for Ukraine
President Zelensky arrived at the Capitol surrounded by security forces
And 29 Republican lawmakers wrote to Biden’s budget chief to express concern about how much has already been given to Ukraine – $100 billion – and to complain that the Biden administration supports an “indefinite commitment” to the country.
They argue that Americans need more information about the war effort.
“How is the counteroffensive going? Are Ukrainians closer to victory than they were six months ago? What is our strategy and what is the president’s exit plan? You write.
McCarthy has made similar comments.
“Was Zelensky elected to Congress? Is he our president? I do not believe that. I have questions: Where is the responsibility for the money we have already spent? What kind of victory plan is this?’ he said to reporters on Capitol Hill earlier this week.
But Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell supports funding Ukraine’s war effort, even though some conservatives in the upper house believe the U.S. has done enough to help Kiev.
McConnell accompanied Zelensky to his meeting with senators along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The Biden administration continues to push for more funding. Zelensky will conclude his visit to Washington with a meeting in the Oval Office.
Zelensky’s visit comes at a “critical time as Russia approaches countries like North Korea and Iran,” White House spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday.
Biden could gain a “battlefield perspective” by meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office, Kirby noted.
President Zelensky greets Pentagon employees after laying a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up his attack on Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Capitol with Ukrainian Ambassador to the USA Oksana Markarova
While Zelensky was out of the country, Russia increased its airstrikes, damaging energy facilities and causing power outages in several regions.
Moscow targeted Lviv in the west near the border with Poland and Kharkiv near Ukraine’s eastern front, as well as Kiev, Cherkassy and Rivne.
Zelensky arrives in Washington after addressing the annual session of the UN General Assembly.
He also addressed the UN Security Council, where he took a tough line and accused it of inaction against Russia’s invasion of his country.
“Most of the world recognizes the truth about this war,” Zelensky said.
“We should recognize that the United Nations is at an impasse on aggression,” he noted.