“We hope to be able to count on you”: the Ukrainian president launched a new appeal from Washington on Monday in favor of releasing an envelope for his country at war, much debated in the American Congress.
The United States is the largest military supporter of kyiv since the Russian invasion in February 2022. But Democratic President Joe Biden’s promise to continue financial support to Ukraine is in serious jeopardy.
The US Congress failed last week to pass a component of more than 61 billion dollars. These funds are essential for Ukraine, whose counter-offensive in the summer did not bring the hoped-for territorial gains.
With his visit to Washington, Volodymyr Zelensky intends to increase pressure on the American ally.
Any delay in aid to Ukraine is a “dream come true” for Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said during a speech from the US capital.
The leader was dressed in a khaki sweater, emblazoned with the message: “I am Ukrainian”.
“America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression is unwavering,” tried to reassure American Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, present at his side.
The Ukrainian president then visited the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to meet its director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank head Ajay Banga.
” Short of money “
But Tuesday will undoubtedly be the most crucial day of his trip.
Early this morning, Volodymyr Zelensky will go to the American Congress, which has committed more than 110 billion dollars since the start of the Russian invasion, but has not voted for a new envelope since last December.
The powerful institution is mired in very tense negotiations over the approval of new funds. The Democrats are for it, the Republicans not exactly against it, but in return for their vote they are demanding major changes in US migration policy.
On this point, discussions are slipping.
In theory, elected officials only have until Friday – when the parliamentary recess begins – to reach an agreement. However, the White House has already warned that it will “run out of money” for Ukraine by the end of the year.
“If there is anyone who rejoices in the endless negotiations at the Capitol, it is Putin and his clique of deranged people,” accused Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday.
The Ukrainian president will be received Tuesday morning by Senate leaders, Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Mitch McConnell – two supporters of aid to Ukraine.
After a speech to all the senators, he will meet the president of the other chamber of Congress, Republican speaker Mike Johnson.
The latter must deal with the most Trumpist fringe of his party, which has already made it known that it will no longer validate a single cent for kyiv.
“Very difficult period”
After his marathon in Congress, Volodymyr Zelensky will go to the White House where he will speak with Joe Biden.
“We are delighted with this visit,” said a spokesperson for the American executive, John Kirby. “This is an opportunity for the president to receive the latest news from the front […] but also to make it clear to the Ukrainian people that we will continue to support them, especially during this very difficult time,” he said.
Ukrainian officials insist that they need more weapons to prevent Russian strikes from plunging millions of people into darkness this winter, like last year.
Aware that the sense of urgency has faded in Washington since the start of the war, President Biden asked Congress to combine his request for aid for Ukraine with one of around 14 billion for Israel, a ally of the United States in war against Hamas.
But the atmosphere has changed a lot since Mr. Zelensky’s first visit to the American capital in December 2022, received with great fanfare in the capital and a standing ovation in Congress.
Anticipating the risk of fatigue from the great American ally, the Ukrainian president had already visited Washington in September.
His visit, however, did not have the desired effect: mired in a series of internal crises which led to the dismissal of the previous speaker, Congress ultimately did not approve new funds for its offensive.