President Joe Biden has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House for a meeting on Tuesday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Sunday.
In the meeting, Biden will “underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine” amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
“As Russia ramps up its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of the United States’ continued support at this critical moment,” she added.
The news of Zelenskyy’s visit comes as funding for Ukraine hangs in the balance. The White House is expected to intensify their efforts to reach out to Congress after the Senate recently failed to advance the president’s national security package.
Republicans voted against the bill with a 51-49 vote mostly along party lines. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.,) voted against the bill after previously saying he’d oppose unconditional aid to Israel unless Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government changes “its current offensive military approach.”
Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, the Senate’s majority and minority leaders, have also agreed to meet with the Ukrianian president in an all-senators meeting on Tuesday morning, according to a leadership aide.
House Speaker Mike Johnson will meet with Zelenskyy on Tuesday in the Capitol.
The Biden administration has asked for $61 billion in Ukraine aid as part of a $100 billion-plus package that would also include money for Israel as well as money for Taiwan and $14 billion for border security.
The pair will discuss “further defense cooperation” in a series of meetings Tuesday, the office of the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement Sunday.
Zelensky will focus on “securing unity among the US, Europe, and the rest of the world on their support of Ukraine’s defense against Russia and “strengthening the international order based on rules and respect for the sovereignty of nations,” the statement read.
