Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a plea for continued support for Ukraine as he visited Washington, DC, to seek assistance in expelling Russian forces from the country. In a speech to soldiers at the National Defense University, Zelenskyy vowed to continue the fight and emphasized the importance of ongoing support from the United States.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes amid questions about the future of assistance for Ukraine, with a crucial vote pending in the US Congress on further security aid. Both he and US President Joe Biden have argued that helping Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion is in the mutual interests of both countries. However, support for Ukrainian aid has hit political obstacles in the US.
The US Congress has previously approved more than $110bn in security assistance for Ukraine, but has not approved new funds since the Republican Party gained a majority in the House of Representatives in January. Biden has asked Congress to approve an additional $61.4bn in support for Ukraine as part of a larger $110bn package that includes more funds for Israel and other issues. However, Republicans have sought to push for greater restrictions on immigration in return for their votes.
Zelenskyy’s visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has seen little signs of a breakthrough for either side. While the war has garnered substantial support, there are concerns about political schisms emerging in both Europe and the US, with some right-wing lawmakers seeking to restrict or cut off continued assistance.
Zelenskyy and his supporters have argued that failing to maintain support for Ukraine would only serve to strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin, who still believes he can outlast both Ukraine and America. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need to honor America’s commitments to Ukraine, echoing the Ukrainian president’s appeal for continued assistance. As the conflict drags on, both countries hope to find a way to continue supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces.
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