WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with our lawmakers earlier this morning in D.C. He’s trying to reaffirm continued support for Ukraine in the war. Zelenskyy gave members an update on the war’s progress and their plans.
Walking out of a closed-door meeting with republican and democratic Senators, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefly addresses the press:
“We got a great dialogue, work to you to journalists to Senators to Congress for helping us, all of us,” said Zelenskyy. “We spoke about so many details but it stays between us. Sorry.”
This is Zelenskyy’s second visit to congress since the Russian invasion in February of last year. This visit includes meeting with our members, asking for congress to continue their support for Ukraine and providing them an update on the situation on the battlefield and their plans. For the most part, there was a strong sense of support from the Senate.
“American support for Ukraine is not charity,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell (R- KY). “It’s an investment in our own direct interests “
Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow (D- MI) on social media said in part: “America must continue to stand with Ukraine!”
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman (D- PA) said in part: “Meeting with Zelenskyy only affirms my one thousand percent support for Ukraine.”
“Mr. Zelensky said ‘if we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war,’” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D- NY). “That’s a quote from him.”
Over in the House, the reception wasn’t as warm. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R- CA) declined a forum for Zelenskyy to address members of the House, only meeting with him in private, away from press. This comes at a time when members of his own party in the House are fighting over federal spending. McCarthy is dealing with a growing House republican resistance to continue aiding Ukraine.
“We believe in standing up for democracy and will continue,” said Speaker McCarthy. “But one thing I’ve said in this job no matter what the issue is – have to have accountability. These are hard working taxpayer dollars. Want to see accountability to see where resources going and I think members will sit and have their questions as well.”
