WASHINGTON: In order to consolidate the relationship with legislators who will determine future assistance for his nation and appreciate $175 billion already approved in aid, since Russia invaded in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returns to the US capitol on Wednesday.
Zelenskyy is in Washington this week for the Nato Summit and it is expected that he would meet with Senate and House leaders as well as representatives of some defense, spending, diplomatic and national security committees.
“The mission’s so important – we have got to back Ukraine,” Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee told Reuters.
The visit comes during a time of great uncertainty over this year’s US presidential election which pits incumbent Democrat Joe Biden who is a strong supporter of aid to Ukraine against former Republican President Donald Trump who has expressed skepticism about it.
After Biden’s poor performance in a July 27 debate with Trump and his low public approval rating it has become increasingly doubtful if he can win re-election or even last another 4-1/2 years during his demanding tenure.
Some congressional Democrats believe Biden ought not face off with Trump but should step aside so that another candidate may contest against him.
Last month two advisors close to Trump informed Reuters that if he wins the Nov. 5 election there was a plan for ending Russia’s war in Ukraine by way of telling Kyiv that they will only get more U.S. weapons after entering peace talks.
Trump’s closest allies among members of Congress have always voted against assisting Zelenskyi’s government although many internationalist Republicans joined hands with opposition Democrats in approving the $175 billion aid package
Uncertain additional support
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, an ally of Trump changed his mind in April – several months after Biden had requested the money –permitting the House to vote on and pass $61 billion worth of support for Ukraine as desired by Biden.
When Zelenskyy last visited Congress in December, Johnson had said he would not support Biden’s request for additional funding.
The House passed the supplemental spending package by 311 to 112, with the “no” votes coming from conservative Republicans closely allied with Trump. The vote fueled concerns Trump’s party will never approve more money for Ukraine if they take control of the House, Senate and White House in November.
However, Johnson has stated on his first major national security address this week that Russia is a threat outside Ukraine and American voters have shown support for the aid as he campaigned across the country.
“(Russian President Vladimir Putin) wouldn’t stop if he takes Kyiv,” Johnson said. “He’s a ruthless dictator in my view.”
