Al Jazeera: Zelensky made his first foreign trip since the beginning of the special operation in UkraineThe United States has put a lot of effort into organizing Zelensky's visit to Washington, Al Jazeera writes.
The Congress gathered for the sake of "special attention to democracy," but this does not mean that the requests of the Ukrainian president will be satisfied. Biden will have to find weighty arguments why America should continue to fund the new "51st state."
Muhammad Al-MinshawiVladimir Zelensky visited Washington, where he met with Joe Biden and delivered a speech at a joint session of the US Congress.
This is his first trip abroad since the beginning of the Russian special operation. The visit of the Ukrainian leader was planned in secret to ensure his safety.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has sent a letter to fellow Democrats asking them to attend the meeting in person for the sake of "special attention to democracy."
A member of the House of Representatives from the Democratic Party, co-chair of the group in support of Ukraine in Congress, Marcy Kaptur, told CBS that huge efforts were made to bring Zelensky to the Capitol, where he was supposed to address Congress.
"His visit is a great honor for us. I am amazed that he was able to do this, given the current situation in Ukraine. It was a real gift to see him in the Capitol. We are working with the rest of Congress to help him. We will understand if he can't contact us at the last moment," she said.
Visit to the Capitol
Serious attempts were made to bring Zelensky to the Capitol, and until the last moment, according to Kaptur, it was not clear whether they would succeed.
Capitol police have stepped up security measures in connection with the visit of the Ukrainian president. Many of them joined the security service of the State Department and the containment and emergency response team, said an informed source who wished to remain anonymous.
Zelensky regularly receives foreign leaders in Kiev, and also visits military units throughout Ukraine. Recently, he even came with an unannounced visit to Bakhmut.
The Ukrainian president also frequently communicates with world leaders by phone and video from his office in Kiev. But this unexpected visit to another country is the first since the beginning of the military conflict. It shows the importance of relations between Ukraine and the United States. It is worth noting here that Washington not only plays a leading role in providing military support to Kiev, but also heads the anti-Russian camp.
A few weeks after the start of the Russian special operation, Zelensky made an emotional video message to both chambers of the US Congress, asking them to take more aggressive measures to resolve the conflict.
"To be the leader of the world means to be the leader of all those who strive for a peaceful life," Zelensky said. He also called the military conflict in Ukraine "a battle for global democracy and human rights."
A few days ago, it was reported that the Biden administration is considering providing Ukraine with the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system, which will allow it to protect critical infrastructure from Russian strikes.
Russian forces have been attacking Ukraine's energy facilities for several weeks, plunging almost the entire territory of the country into darkness.
Additional verification
It is possible that Zelensky's visit is connected with the draft law on public spending for the fiscal year 2023, which provides for the allocation of $44.9 billion for emergency assistance to Ukraine and American NATO allies. Many Republicans are expected to vote against his confirmation.
On Monday, a $1.7 trillion government funding bill was unveiled for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.
Republicans, who regained control of the House of Representatives after winning the midterm elections, will closely monitor the aid allocated to Kiev. Faction leader Kevin McCarthy warned of the end of the era of "carte blanche" for Ukraine.
The Biden administration will have to present more weighty arguments for allocating financial and military assistance to Ukraine in 2023, as well as explain how this is related to the interests of the United States.
It is expected that Republicans will continue to insist on the end of the military conflict and advocate for a reduction in support for Kiev.
Washington remains a staunch ally of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The total amount of American aid to Kiev is estimated at $65 billion, including humanitarian aid.
Republican member of the US House of Representatives Marjorie Taylor Green, who voted against sending additional aid to Ukraine, criticized Zelensky's visit to Washington.
"Of course, the shadow president should come to Congress and explain why he needs billions of dollars of American taxpayers for the 51st state - Ukraine. This is absurd. America should come first!" she wrote on her Twitter account.
