Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated a brief visit to Washington on Monday, delivering a speech at a defense university where he cautioned that Russia, while engaged in conflict in Ukraine, is ultimately targeting “freedom” in America and globally. Zelenskyy personally appealed to Congress to break its deadlock and approve ongoing support for Ukraine.
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His time in Washington, which includes meetings at the White House and with Congress on Tuesday, is part of a last-minute effort by the Biden administration to persuade lawmakers to pass a supplemental funding bill, as officials warn of diminishing funds for Ukraine. However, the mood on Capitol Hill ahead of Zelenskyy’s visit was somber, with leading Senate negotiators stating they were essentially out of time to strike a deal on U.S.-Mexico border security policies demanded by Republicans.
President Joe Biden has requested $61.4 billion for wartime funding for Ukraine as part of a $110 billion package, which also includes funding for Israel and other national security priorities. However, the request is entangled in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. The U.S. has already provided $111 billion to Ukraine for its resistance against Russia’s 2022 invasion.
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Addressing an audience at the National Defense University, Zelenskyy expressed resilience and appealed for support. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, introducing the Ukrainian president, affirmed America’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, stating that supporting the war effort is critical for U.S. and allied security.
Zelenskyy met with Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, emphasizing the importance of timely and predictable financing for Ukraine’s economic stability. With Congress in its final week before the holidays, questions remain about reaching an agreement on funding without White House concessions on border security.
Zelenskyy’s visit, his third since the war began, comes at a critical time, with about $4.8 billion remaining in presidential drawdown authority and $1.1 billion left in funding to replenish U.S. military stockpiles. The White House will assert its stand on the supplemental budget request during Zelenskyy’s meeting with President Biden.
