U.S. President Joe Biden meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, September 21, 2023.
Kevin Lamarque|Reuters
WASHINGTON– President Joe Biden invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Thursday as the embattled leader looks for to support extra assistance for his war-torn nation.
Biden was looking for a “battlefield perspective” from Zelenskyy in their conference, according to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
Speaking in the Oval Office prior to the conference, Zelenskyy thanked the United States, stating the nations are “really truly allies.” He stated he planned to discuss weapons systems with Biden, “with a special emphasis on air defense.”
“I am in Washington to strengthen Ukraine’s position to defend our children, our families, our homes, freedom and democracy in the world,” Zelenskyy stated.
Biden called Ukraine a “partner” and stated he was dealing with other G7 allies to formalize a dedication to the nation’s long-lasting security.
“We’re supporting a just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Biden stated.
Zelenskyy attended to the United Nations General Assembly previously today in New York.
During his own speech Tuesday at the UN, Biden assured the U.S. would “continue to stand” with Ukraine as Russia’s intrusion drags out.
But getting Congress to satisfy that pledge with more help is made complex.
The White House is looking for $24 billion in extra help to Ukraine, which it hoped would be passed together with a continuing resolution to prevent a federal government shutdown as federal spending plan settlements continue.
The step has bipartisan assistance in theSenate But it has actually been held up in the House of Representatives, where some members, likeRep Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga, have actually stated they will not support any extra help.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif remains in a tough position on the problem of Ukraine due to a slim GOP bulk in the House, which offers person Republican legislators utilize to push him to accede to their needs.
Conservatives balked at McCarthy’s proposition recently to set Ukraine help with extra border financing.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (C) strolls with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) (L) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) throughout his see to the U.S. Capitol Building on September 21, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Win Mcnamee|Getty Images
Zelenskyy stopped at the Capitol on Thursday early morning prior to his Oval Office conference with Biden to make his pitch straight to legislators.
Unlike his check out in December, Zelenskyy did not attend to a joint session ofCongress
McCarthy consented to meet the Ukrainian president independently however did not use an online forum for him to interest the complete House of Representatives as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. performed in the upper chamber.
Zelenskyy informed press reporters after his congressional conferences that he had a “frank, constructive dialogue” with members of both celebrations in both chambers.
