Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelensky, accompanied by key aides to U.S. President Joe Biden, will passionately present their case to U.S. senators on Tuesday, emphasizing the imperative need for a fresh infusion of military assistance to fortify Ukraine against Russian invaders.
U.S. officials assert that the United States will exhaust its available resources for Ukraine by the year’s end, heightening concerns as Kyiv encounters challenges in making significant progress in its 2023 counteroffensive against Russia.
On Tuesday, a lineup of prominent Biden officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is slated to provide detailed briefings to the senators. Senate Majority Leader Schumer has initiated the process of advancing a Ukraine-Israel emergency aid bill on the Senate floor.
In a compelling Senate speech, Schumer underscored the global ramifications, stating, “America’s national security hangs in the balance worldwide” with the fate of Ukraine aid at stake. He emphasized the pivotal role of passing the supplemental bill, stating it could shape the trajectory of democracy for years to come, countering autocrats and dictators waging war against democratic values.
Despite facing challenges on the battlefield, Zelensky, in a November interview, expressed determination to deliver tangible results by year-end, affirming his belief in eventual success for Kyiv in the war.
However, the Biden White House, alarmed by the stalled progress in securing U.S. assistance, fears that a failure to further support Ukraine could heighten the likelihood of Russian victories.