Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in US in bid to rescue $60bn military aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Washington DC in an attempt to save a threatened US defense package to Kyiv valued at billions of dollars. This aid has become involved in US domestic politics, with Republicans demanding border funding concessions as a trade-off.

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This visit marks Zelensky's third trip to the US since Russia's invasion in 2022. This week is crucial for Ukraine, as the EU is also deciding whether to initiate accession talks with the country. 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed opposition to this decision and holds the power to block it. Orban and Zelensky had a seemingly intense conversation during their meeting at the inauguration of Argentina's new president on Sunday, although the specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed. 

The Ukrainian president's visit to Washington on Monday involves meetings with US President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as addressing the Senate on Tuesday morning. The objective of this visit, as said by the White House, is to emphasize the unwavering commitment of the United States to support Ukraine in their defense against Russia's aggressive incursion.

However, the progress of a $60 billion military aid package in Congress is currently hindered. Some Republicans argue that prioritizing domestic security along the US-Mexico border is more important and are thus resisting the passage of the aid package. Last week, Republicans blocked a vote in the Senate that included the funding but lacked border-related measures.

Apart from increased funds for border enforcement, Republicans are also advocating for reforms in the processing of undocumented migrants seeking political asylum in the US. 

In order for us to address this issue effectively, we must be open to revising our policies, said Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, one of the prominent Republican negotiators, during a Sunday interview. He emphasized that the objective is to determine the necessary measures to regain control of the situation at our southern border, thus preventing any chaos.

Senator Lankford stressed that it is crucial not to overlook US national security at the border while allocating attention to Ukraine's interests.

Although the Biden administration has demonstrated a willingness to consider modifications in asylum policies, such compromises run the risk of provoking liberal lawmakers and further fracturing a party already divided by the president's support for Israel in the Gaza War. 

On 30 November, a statement issued by a group of 11 Democratic senators expressed their concerns regarding harmful changes to the asylum system that could deny crucial humanitarian protection to vulnerable individuals, including children. Additionally, they voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of any meaningful improvement to the border situation. 

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a supporter of President Biden, has noted that the White House is becoming more involved in the ongoing negotiations and aims to secure a comprehensive funding agreement that includes funds for Ukraine before Congress adjourns for the holiday recess on Friday. 

Even if the Senate reaches an agreement, the package would still need approval from the House of Representatives, where opposition to further aid for Ukraine is even stronger. 

Mr Biden has been passionately urging lawmakers to approve the funds. In a heartfelt televised speech last Wednesday, he emphasized the urgency of the package and issued a warning that Russia's aggression would not end with its victory over Ukraine.

Despite Ukraine successfully defending against Russia's initial attack, their attempts to counter-attack this year have faltered, leading to signs of fatigue from some of the Western nations that have provided military support.

Following the Senate vote, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska expressed grave concern during an interview on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program. She stated that Ukrainians would face mortal danger if Western countries did not continue their support.

We are in desperate need of assistance. To put it simply, we cannot afford to grow weary of this situation, as doing so would result in our demise, she emphasized.