The Colorado Springs Gazette

Zelensky to visit White House, attend all-senators briefing this week

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the White House and Congress this week as the Senate stalls on passing Ukraine aid.

The White House announced Zelensky will visit with President Joe Biden Tuesday for a meeting to “underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment” to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war against 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,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-pierre said in a statement on Sunday.

The Washington Examiner confirmed that Zelensky will also be at the U.S. Capitol for an all-senators meeting on Tuesday.

“Speaker Johnson will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday,” Raj Shah, spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Zelensky’s visit to Washington, D.C., comes after the Senate voted against advancing a $111 billion foreign spending package over a standoff on a border deal. The package would have included aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as requested by the Biden administration.

GOP leadership had whipped members to oppose advancing the foreign aid package without a border agreement in place. Senate Minority Leader Mitch Mcconnell (R-KY) said he hoped the vote would “make the point, for the final time, that we insist on meaningful changes to the border.”

DIGITAL EXTRA | NATIONAL POLITICS

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2023-12-11T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-12-11T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://daily.gazette.com/article/281724094333672

The Gazette, Colorado Springs