Biden Invites Selenskyj to the White House
Solidarity with Ukraine has been crumbling among Republicans in the United States for some time now. Currently, they are blocking further billions in aid to the country. Now, the US President has sent a signal by inviting Selenskyj to Washington on Tuesday.
US President Joe Biden has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj to the White House on Tuesday. The two heads of state “will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs” in its fight against the Russian invasion and the “critical importance of continued support from the United States at this crucial moment,” said Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.
According to the Ukrainian presidency, the meeting will focus on “further cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the defense sector, particularly through joint projects for the production of weapons and air defense systems.” In addition, the “coordination of efforts between both states in the coming year” will be discussed. Selenskyj will also speak in the Senate.
Congress blocks aid package
Currently, a multibillion-dollar aid package for Ukraine is being blocked by opposition Republicans in the US Congress. Last Wednesday, conservatives voted against the package in a Senate vote. In October, Biden requested a $106 billion financial package from Congress, which includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel in its war against the militant-Islamist Hamas, assistance for other allies such as Taiwan, and funds to protect the US-Mexico southern border. While there is support among Republicans for new aid to Israel, there is resistance to providing new funding for Ukraine. They also demand concessions on immigration policy and securing the border with Mexico.
Washington is the main supporter of Kyiv in the war against Russian invasion forces. Since the start of the Russian aggression in February 2022, the US has already delivered or promised billions in military aid to Ukraine.