Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Washington DC in an attempt to salvage a jeopardized US defense package for Kyiv worth billions of dollars. The aid has become entangled in US domestic, partisan politics, with Republicans insisting on concessions related to border funding in exchange.
This marks Mr. Zelensky’s third visit to the US since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The week is crucial for Ukraine, as the EU is also deciding whether to initiate accession talks with the bloc. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has signaled opposition to the move and has the power to block such a decision.
Details of an apparently intense conversation between Mr. Orban and Mr. Zelensky at the inauguration of Argentina’s new president on Sunday have not been disclosed. The Ukrainian president will address the Senate on Tuesday morning after meetings with US President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The White House stated on Sunday that Mr. Zelensky’s visit aims “to underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion.” However, the $60 billion US military aid package is currently stalled in Congress due to pushback from Republicans, who argue that more funds should be allocated to domestic security at the US-Mexico border.
A Senate vote last week saw a package, which included the funding but lacked border measures, blocked by Republicans. In addition to additional funds for border enforcement, Republicans are seeking reforms to the processing of undocumented migrants seeking political asylum in the US.
Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, one of the lead Republican negotiators, emphasized the need for a change in policy to regain control of the situation at the southern border. The Biden administration, while expressing a willingness to accept some asylum policy changes, faces challenges in navigating a divided party.
Despite ongoing negotiations, concerns have been raised by Democratic senators about potential harmful changes to the asylum system. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, an ally of President Biden, noted increased White House engagement in negotiations, seeking a comprehensive funding agreement that includes money for Ukraine before Congress’s holiday recess on Friday.
Approval from the House of Representatives, where opposition to additional aid for Ukraine is more intense, would also be required even if the Senate reaches a deal. President Biden has urged lawmakers to approve the funds, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and warning that Russia will not stop at victory over Ukraine.
Although Ukraine successfully repelled Russia’s initial attack, its counter-attack this year has stalled, and signs of fatigue from some Western nations supporting it militarily have emerged. Following the Senate vote, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska emphasized on the BBC that Ukrainians would be “in mortal danger” if Western countries did not continue their support, emphasizing the critical nature of ongoing assistance.
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