The Biden administration on Thursday announced an aid package worth “up to $325 million” to Ukraine for “critical security and defense needs.”
of announcement The announcement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. leaders, including President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). The package includes missiles, machine guns and other weapons to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
“Today I’m in Washington to strengthen the coalition to protect Ukraine’s children, families, homes, and freedom and democracy around the world,” Zelenskiy said in an Oval Office meeting with Biden. Ta.
“And I started my day in the U.S. Congress by thanking members of Congress and the American people for their massive support. I felt a sense of trust between us,” Zelenskiy said. continued. “It allowed us to have a frank and constructive dialogue.”
Zelenskiy’s visit to D.C. and the aid announcement coincided with chaos in the House over disagreements over the funding bill and aid to Ukraine. Mr. McCarthy also said he had rejected the Ukrainian leader’s request to address Thursday’s joint session of Congress.
“Mr. Zelensky asked us for a joint session. We just didn’t have the time,” McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol, according to a video of the exchange.
McCarthy himself seems reluctant to provide aid to Ukraine. He said at a press conference on Tuesday that he had “questions” to ask Zelenskiy when he met with him.
“Where is the responsibility for the money we’ve already spent?” McCarthy said, listing questions he would ask the Ukrainian leader during the meeting. “What is your plan for victory?”
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
