Zelensky to deliver a speech; Sudden change of plans in the USA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday, with additional plans to visit Capitol Hill and address the US Senate.
7:21 AM EST, December 11, 2023
Zelensky is invited to address the Senate by the leaders of both parties in the upper chamber, namely the Democrats - Chuck Schumer and the Republicans - Mitch McConnell.
Zelensky to Address the US Senate
In addition to his visit to the Capitol, Zelensky also has a meeting arranged with the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.
US President Joe Biden invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a meeting at the White House next Tuesday. This was announced by the American leader's spokesperson, Karine Jean-Pierre, on Sunday.
The intention of the meeting is to "reiterate the unwavering commitment" of the United States to Ukraine, which has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.
The visit comes at a crucial time when the future of U.S. support for Ukraine is being deliberated in Congress. Over the past month, several Ukrainian delegations have visited Washington to advocate for the approval of a package that includes over $61 billion for expenses related to aid for Ukraine.
Republicans Impeding Progress
This aid package was obstructed by the Senate Republicans, who are pressing for additional restrictions on immigration policy. Active discussions on this matter are underway, but the outcome remains unclear despite major support for further aid to Ukraine from the majority of members in both chambers.
Zelensky's upcoming visit on Tuesday will mark his third trip to the White House since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and his fourth since he assumed office in 2019.
