US President Joe Biden has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to visit the White House, emphasizing the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, focusing on discussing Ukraine’s urgent needs and the crucial role of continued US support during these challenging times.
The invitation comes shortly after the Biden administration warned that funds for Ukraine aid could run out in weeks unless US lawmakers act. Republican senators recently blocked $106 billion in emergency aid, primarily for Ukraine and Israel, citing objections to the exclusion of immigration reforms demanded by conservatives. The situation raised concerns about the dwindling funding for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
President Zelenskiy is set to arrive in Washington on Monday, with a working visit planned, including various meetings and discussions. He has also been invited to address US senators and meet privately with US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson during his visit.
The urgency of securing additional aid for Ukraine was underscored by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized that the US is running out of funding for Ukrainians. Biden’s budget director, Shalanda Young, warned that without a deal, the US would be unable to provide weapons and assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year, severely impacting their ability to resist Russian aggression.
Despite bipartisan agreement on the need for action, discussions involve potential compromises. Biden expressed a willingness to make significant compromises to advance the aid package. However, there are varying opinions among lawmakers, with some emphasizing the importance of securing the US-Mexico border alongside providing aid to Ukraine. Republican Senator JD Vance called for a clear justification for additional aid to Ukraine, questioning the objectives and effectiveness of proposed funding.
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