President Biden invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit the White House to show solidarity with the war-torn country, it was announced Sunday.
Zelensky is invited to the White House for a meeting Tuesday to “underscore the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine in their defense against Russia’s brutal invasion,” White House press secretary Karine Jean said. -Pierre, in a statement.
“As Russia escalates its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of continued US support at this critical time,” Jean-Pierre added.
Zelensky last visited Washington, DC in September, following a trip to the UN General Assembly World Leaders Summit in New York.
At the time, Biden was pressing Congress to provide $24 billion in additional assistance to the war-torn nation.
The president has pressed Congress to request more aid to Ukraine. APAImages/Shutterstock
Congress has yet to greenlight more aid. Now that demand is around $61 billion, according to a lengthy $106 billion supplement the White House unveiled in October that includes support for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the border.
Talks about more aid to Ukraine have been stalled by stark divisions between Republicans and Democrats over how to proceed with border provisions.
Republicans have been adamant that more aid to Ukraine be accompanied by greater border security.
Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Chris Murphy (D-Ct.) are leading the discussions in the Senate.
This is the last week of legislation scheduled for the Senate this year, raising the stakes for reaching a deal.
Volodymyr Zelensky met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in September. fake images
The Biden White House is expected to increase its involvement in the deliberations.
Since the war broke out in Ukraine, Congress has approved $113 billion in humanitarian and military support, although not all of it has been spent.
“We have run out of money and almost out of time,” White House budget chief Shalanda Young pressed congressional leaders in a letter last Monday.
“This is not a problem for next year. “Now is the time to help a democratic Ukraine fight Russian aggression.”
Zelensky was expected to brief lawmakers last week, but that was abruptly canceled due to a last-minute interruption in his schedule, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Russian President Vladimir Putin this week announced plans to run for re-election in March 2024.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn