Insights from Ukrainian President Zelensky's momentous day in Washington
Ukrainian President Zelensky urgently seeks US support in face of Russian aggression, pleading for crucial military and economic aid during his crucial day in Washington
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington on Tuesday, making an in-person plea for the military and economic aid necessary to continue Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion.
This marks Zelensky's third visit to Washington since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022. He is scheduled to meet with members of Congress on Tuesday morning and with President Joe Biden later in the afternoon. The visit coincides with the US declassifying new intelligence on Russia's losses in the war, showing that the Russian military has suffered heavy losses but remains determined to persevere.
The visit occurs as an agreement for additional funding, which includes vital aid for the war-torn country, remains blocked by congressional Republicans. They are insisting that the Biden administration make concessions on border security and immigration policy in exchange for the aid package. With a holiday recess approaching, it seems unlikely that a deal will be reached.
Biden has expressed willingness to compromise, but a group of Republicans are hesitant to increase the already approved $100 billion in Ukraine aid. Biden's officials believe that Zelensky is the best advocate for his country. Here is what we have learned from Zelensky's day in Washington so far:
Zelensky tells senators he expects US to come through for Ukraine
Zelensky told senators that hes still counting on US support to come through for his nation, according to Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
Senators mainly focused their questions on the accountability of US aid, with Zelensky assuring them that the money would not be misused in Ukraine, as stated by GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota.
According to Rounds, Zelensky did not specify the total amount of US support needed for Ukraine, but emphasized the urgent need for additional air defense systems to prevent access to Crimea.
Following the meeting, Zelensky took to social media to characterize the conversation as "friendly and candid" and expressed gratitude towards Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for their personal efforts in garnering bipartisan support for Ukraine among U.S. legislators. "I provided the U.S. Senate members with an update on Ukraine's current military and economic situation, emphasized the importance of maintaining crucial U.S. support, and addressed their inquiries," Zelensky shared in a post on X.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described the meeting as "very positive and fruitful," while Zelensky declined to answer questions from reporters as he left the meeting. Schumer emphasized that Zelensky had clearly articulated the assistance Ukraine requires to succeed, and warned that a lack of support from the United States could cause unease among Ukraine's European allies.
He said that Europe and numerous other allies would question the situation, while Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley drew comparisons between the Republicans' inaction and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's unsuccessful attempt to appease Adolf Hitler's regime in Germany.
"Those who are opposing ⦠aid to Ukraine are falling into the same mistake Chamberlain made," Merkley said, warning Republicans to not let history repeat itself.
Holdouts say deal remains unlikely
Some Republicans who were at the meeting said they were unswayed by Zelensky's request for help, and insisted that Biden still needed to negotiate.
"I'm not sure if he made any difference," said Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, after the meeting.
At this point, progress is stalling due to the White House's refusal to recognize the need to address the border issue, not just funding current policies, but also reforming the asylum and mass release systems. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, who is against sending more funding to Ukraine, left a meeting with Zelensky and other senators early, stating that he remained unchanged in his stance.
Another senator present at the meeting indicated that Zelensky addressed some of the Republicans' concerns regarding corruption within the Ukrainian government and the possible misuse of funds.
Furthermore, Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, expressed his support for providing additional aid to Ukraine, but only if it is contingent on implementing stricter border policies. He also noted that Zelensky did not become involved in the policy disputes that are obstructing an agreement for increased aid.
Mullin stated that they kept the discussion at a high level and are currently working through the process. The individual they spoke with was understanding and respectful, expressing their need for their support.
However, Mullin expressed doubt about the possibility of reaching a deal without significant concessions from the Biden administration. While the president has expressed openness to compromise, he has been vague about the specific terms he would be willing to accept.
"Without significant and real border security, there is no possibility of an aid package for Ukraine and Israel passing the House," stated Mullin, a former House member with close connections to his former colleagues. "Republicans, including myself, are united in support of the House Republicans on this issue."
Senator Tommy Tuberville was clear and unwavering in his stance on providing additional aid to Ukraine.
"Were out of money," the Alabama Republican said.
Johnson says White House response insufficient
After their initial one-on-one meeting lasting approximately 30 minutes, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's response to congressional Republicans' demands, labeling it "insufficient." He emphasized that a deal without a "transformative change" at the border was unlikely. Despite describing his meeting with Zelensky as "good," Johnson maintained that the border should take precedence and urged the White House to provide clearer strategy on Ukraine.
Johnson stressed that the White House has failed to clearly communicate a strategy, and now it is the responsibility of both the Senate and the White House. "Since the day I was given the gavel, I have been asking the White House for a clear articulation of the strategy to help Ukraine succeed," he stated. "So far, their responses have not been satisfactory."
Johnson emphasized that the current issue does not lie with the Houses, but rather with the White House and the Senate. He urged them to fulfill their responsibilities as the situation is time-sensitive. This is a developing story and will be continuously updated.
CNNs Manu Raju, Haley Talbot, Lauren Fox and Ted Barrett contributed to this report.
