War in Ukraine: Biden invites Zelensky to the White House on Tuesday

2023-12-11 03:10:26

A visit at a crucial moment in the war in Ukraine. US President Joe Biden invited his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to come to Washington on Tuesday to discuss “Ukraine’s urgent needs”, the White House spokesperson said on Sunday.

“As Russia escalates its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, the two leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of continued U.S. support at this critical moment,” the statement said. Karine Jean-Pierre in a press release.

The United States is currently the country providing the largest military support to Kyiv, with Congress having committed more than $110 billion since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Weakened support

But Joe Biden’s promise to continue to support Ukraine financially is jeopardized by Congress. Last week, he blocked a large envelope of more than $106 billion insisted on by President Biden, including funds for Ukraine and Israel.

Republican elected officials are demanding significant concessions on United States migration policy in exchange for their votes. A disaster scenario for kyiv, whose counter-offensive in the summer did not bring the hoped-for territorial gains.

During his visit, Volodymyr Zelensky will also meet the Republican leader of the House of Representatives to try to convince him to vote for the budget.

Blocking new funds would be “the greatest gift” offered to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden had warned, affirming that the master of the Kremlin, if he managed to seize Ukraine, “will not stop (it) not there.”