Zelensky will reportedly visit Congress and the White House next week while he is in the US for the United Nations General Assembly. This will happen amid Biden’s plea to Congress for $24 billion in additional funding to Ukraine as the counteroffensive agaisnt Russia proves more and more disappointing.
Zelensky has tried to conceal the perceived failure by cracking down on corruption in Ukraine’s military and in his own circle while insisting more financial aid will render the counteroffensive a success. He told CNN that he intends to press Biden on not only more aid, but for long-range missiles.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration will soon reach a decision to send long-range missiles (ATACMS) to Ukraine. If used to target Russian territory, this would violate the US’s previous promise of allowing no American weaponry on Russian soil. Ukrainian officials report that they are hopeful this will happen so they can make major advances.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the US was “continuing our relentless work to target Russia’s military supply chains and deprive (Russian President Vladimir) Putin of the equipment, technology, and services he needs to wage his barbaric war on Ukraine.”
The last time the Ukrainian president stood before Congress was last December, where he successfully persuaded members to continue funding and weaponry to his country so long as the weapons were used to target Russians occupying Ukrainian territory. He then received a standing ovation while wearing a green sweatshirt and slacks.
Zelensky will most likely not make a formal speech this time around, but will hold meetings with congressional leaders. While the appearance has not been officially announced, multiple officials and aides have confirmed the plans on the grounds of anonymity.
