Biden invites Zelenskyy to White House, urges increased aid for Ukraine.
President Biden Welcomes Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to White House
President Joe Biden warmly received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on September 21, as they work together to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion. This marks their sixth in-person meeting and Zelenskyy’s third visit to the White House.
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During their meeting, President Biden announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine worth $325 million, which includes significant air defense capabilities.
The Biden administration has requested an additional $24 billion in funding for Ukraine from Congress. However, this request is facing political challenges due to concerns from both sides of the aisle.
When asked about congressional support for Ukraine funding, President Biden expressed his confidence in the United States Congress, stating, “I’m counting on the good judgment of the United States Congress. There is no alternative.”
Since February 2022, the United States has provided $113 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and affected countries. However, the current funding is expected to run out soon, and additional resources are needed to ensure a continuous supply.
Despite some opposition from a minority of members, the majority of both Democrats and Republicans support continuing aid to Ukraine.
A group of Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the White House expressing their opposition to additional funding for Ukraine and demanding transparency regarding the use of taxpayers’ money.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy declined the Ukrainian president’s request to address a joint session of Congress, citing ongoing negotiations to fund the government and avoid a shutdown.
In response to objections from Republicans, the National Security Council emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine to prevent Russian aggression and the potential consequences of letting Putin take over.
Zelenskyy Addresses U.N. General Assembly
Before his visit to the White House, President Zelenskyy delivered a powerful speech at the U.N. General Assembly, highlighting the escalating Russian aggression and its impact beyond Ukraine.
Zelenskyy expressed concern about the weaponization of various aspects by the aggressor and denounced Russia’s alleged kidnapping of Ukrainian children as “genocide.”
However, his remarks have sparked controversy among European allies, particularly Poland, which recently announced the cessation of weapons transfers to Ukraine.
In his U.N. address, Zelenskyy criticized certain countries for pretending to support Ukraine while aiding Russia with grain exports.
President Biden also called on world leaders to stand with Ukraine and emphasized the importance of deterring aggression.
How did President Zelenskyy express his gratitude for the ongoing support from the United States?
R support for Ukraine and urging the Biden administration to provide necessary assistance. The letter states, “We remain committed to the security and stability of Ukraine and will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people in their fight against aggression.”
In addition to military aid, President Biden discussed the importance of countering disinformation and cyberattacks originating from Russia. He emphasized the need for a united front among democratic nations to defend against these threats.
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from the United States and its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated, “We are grateful for the support we receive from the American people and the leadership of President Biden. Together, we will overcome the challenges we face.”
The meeting between President Biden and President Zelenskyy comes at a critical time, as Russia continues its aggression in Eastern Ukraine. Both leaders reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s actions and their commitment to maintaining international norms and principles.
President Biden stated, “Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be respected, and Russia must be held accountable for its destabilizing actions. The United States stands with Ukraine and its people.”
In addition to the discussions on Ukraine, President Biden and President Zelenskyy also talked about strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields, including energy, trade, and democracy promotion. They stressed the importance of a free and transparent economic system that benefits both countries.
Following their meeting, President Biden and President Zelenskyy held a joint press conference, where they reaffirmed their commitment to the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. President Biden concluded by stating, “We will continue to stand with Ukraine and work together to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the Ukrainian people.”
President Biden’s welcoming of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to the White House demonstrates the strong and ongoing support of the United States towards Ukraine. The meeting underlines the importance of international solidarity in the face of Russian aggression and the commitment to upholding democratic values and principles.
As Ukraine continues to face significant challenges, the United States will remain a steadfast partner, providing the necessary support to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and build a brighter future.
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