Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is making a last-minute plea to U.S. lawmakers to continue military support during his visit to the White House and Capitol Hill.
Demand for Military Support
Zelensky intends to call for a replenishment of funding that is nearly exhausted ahead of his meeting with President Joe Biden. This comes amid Russia’s advances in the east, a deteriorating budget, and tens of thousands of Ukrainian casualties.
Russia’s Escalation and Its Impact on Western Support
Recently classified U.S. intelligence suggests that “Russia believes the military situation over the winter will undermine Western support for Ukraine,” giving Russia an advantage despite Russian losses, according to White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
The Battle in the U.S. Congress
Only three days remain before the end of Congress’s term this year on Friday, and so far, House Republicans have refused to pass a $106 billion supplemental bill that includes aid for Ukraine without unrelated and contentious changes to U.S. immigration laws.
Warnings About Russia’s Impact
Zelensky and Biden’s aides believe that Putin is betting he can withstand Western assistance and interest to achieve a significant strategic victory against the West. This view is shared by members of the European Parliament who will make a last-minute appeal to Congress on Tuesday.
Warnings of U.S. Military Intervention
Biden and others have warned that U.S. troops may have to confront Russia if Putin invades a European ally covered by mutual NATO defense obligations.
Call for Changes in Immigration Laws
House Speaker Mike Johnson called on the Biden administration in a letter last week to provide more details on its objectives in Ukraine and link the issue to immigration.
The Current Situation in Ukraine
Thanks to billions of dollars in military, humanitarian, and intelligence aid from the U.S., Ukraine has been able to fend off Russia’s initial attempt to invade the country. However, Kyiv has failed to break through Russian defense lines in a major offensive this year, and now Russia is the one launching attacks in the east.
The Impact on the U.S. Presidential and Legislative Elections
Both the war and immigration are expected to be sensitive issues ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential and legislative elections. Both Trump and Biden are vying for the presidency.
Public Support for Ukraine
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last month, about 41 percent of American adults support sending weapons to Ukraine, while 32 percent oppose it, and the rest are unsure.
Schedule of the Visit
Zelensky is expected to address U.S. senators at 9 a.m. local time. Biden and Zelensky will hold a joint press conference at 4:15 p.m. local time.
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