Ukrainian chief appeals for continued assist for the battle to expel Russian forces as he visits Washington, DC.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that failing to maintain support for Ukraine would play into the palms of Russian President Vladimir Putin as questions loom over the way forward for help from the USA.
Talking on Monday to troopers on the Nationwide Protection College throughout a visit to Washington, DC, Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would proceed its battle to expel Russian forces from the nation.
“We won’t give up. We know what to do, and you can count on Ukraine. And we hope just as much to be able to count on you,” Zelenskyy stated.
“Let me be frank with you, friends. If there’s anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill, it’s just Putin and his sick clique,” he added.
I started my go to to the USA by assembly with @SecDef Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Employees Common Charles Brown on the US Nationwide Protection College.
We mentioned world safety challenges, frontline developments, and additional US-Ukraine protection cooperation.… pic.twitter.com/Y3j7jO48Lo— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 11, 2023
Zelenskyy and US President Joe Biden have argued that serving to Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion, launched in February 2022, is within the mutual pursuits of each international locations as help for Ukrainian assist hits political snags within the US.
The Ukrainian president’s journey comes simply earlier than a vital vote within the US Congress on additional safety help.
Whereas the US initially helped rally Western international locations in help of Ukraine, political schisms have began to emerge because the battle drags on with few signs of a breakthrough for both facet.
Assist stays substantial, however in each Europe and the US, some right-wing lawmakers have sought to limit or reduce off continued help.
Ukraine’s supporters have alleged that such hesitancy solely serves to strengthen Putin’s hand.
“Despite his crimes and despite his isolation, Putin still believes that he can outlast Ukraine and that he can outlast America. But he is wrong,” US Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin stated in remarks on Monday.
“America’s commitments must be honoured,” he added.
The US Congress has accepted greater than $110bn in safety help for Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion however has not accepted new funds because the Republican Social gathering gained a majority within the Home of Representatives in January.
Biden has requested Congress to approve a further $61.4bn in help for Ukraine as half of a bigger $110bn package deal that features extra funds for Israel and different points.
Republicans have used their leverage to push for larger restrictions on immigration on the US border with Mexico, together with reforms that may roll again entry to asylum, in return for his or her votes.
