U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy within the Oval Workplace of the White Home in Washington, September 21, 2023.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White Home on Thursday because the embattled chief seeks to shore up further assist for his war-torn nation.
Biden was looking for a “battlefield perspective” from Zelenskyy of their assembly, in line with Nationwide Safety Council spokesman John Kirby.
Talking within the Oval Workplace earlier than the assembly, Zelenskyy thanked the USA, saying the international locations are “actually actually allies.” He stated he supposed to speak about weapons techniques with Biden, “with a particular emphasis on air protection.”
“I’m in Washington to strengthen Ukraine’s place to defend our youngsters, our households, our properties, freedom and democracy on the earth,” Zelenskyy stated.
Biden known as Ukraine a “associate” and stated he was working with different G7 allies to formalize a dedication to the nation’s long-term safety.
“We’re supporting a simply and lasting peace, one which respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Biden stated.
Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations Basic Meeting earlier this week in New York.
Throughout his personal speech Tuesday at the UN, Biden promised the U.S. would “proceed to face” with Ukraine as Russia’s invasion drags on.
However getting Congress to satisfy that promise with extra support is difficult.
The White Home is looking for $24 billion in further support to Ukraine, which it hoped could be handed alongside a persevering with decision to keep away from a authorities shutdown as federal price range negotiations proceed.
The measure has bipartisan assist within the Senate. But it surely has been held up within the Home of Representatives, the place some members, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have stated they won’t assist any further support.
Home Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. is in a tough place on the problem of Ukraine because of a slim GOP majority within the Home, which provides particular person Republican lawmakers leverage to strain him to accede to their calls for.
Conservatives balked at McCarthy’s proposal final week to pair Ukraine support with further border funding.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (C) walks with Senate Minority Chief Mitch McConnell (R-KY) (L) and Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer (D-NY) throughout his go to to the U.S. Capitol Constructing on September 21, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Win Mcnamee | Getty Photographs
Zelenskyy stopped on the Capitol on Thursday morning earlier than his Oval Workplace assembly with Biden to make his pitch on to lawmakers.
Not like his go to in December, Zelenskyy didn’t tackle a joint session of Congress.
McCarthy agreed to fulfill with the Ukrainian president privately however didn’t provide a discussion board for him to enchantment to the total Home of Representatives as Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. did within the higher chamber.
Zelenskyy advised reporters after his congressional conferences that he had a “frank, constructive dialogue” with members of each events in each chambers.
