Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington to retain US support

Volodymyr Zelensky will try to appease the US in Washington on Thursday, aware of the risk of fatigue on the part of the best American ally. “Cover Line” Facing Russia in his words.

The mood has changed since he visited the US capital on December 21, 2022, his first foreign trip since the invasion of Russia in February of the same year. Since then, the sense of urgency has faded, and the Republican opposition has taken over one of the chambers of parliament. Volodymyr Zelensky will not be greeted with much fanfare this time in the Capitol, the seat of Congress. However, he is expected to meet with Democratic and Republican leaders.

The most anticipated interview, and the most difficult, will be with the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy. “I have some questions for him. Can he account for the money we have already spent? What is the strategy for success? »The conservative leader began on Tuesday, under pressure from his party’s right wing to cut off supplies to Kyiv.

This financial aspect is further complicated by the very short-term risk of a budget freeze in the US if lawmakers cannot reach an agreement before 1.^{There is} At least in the Interim Finance Act Oct. Discussions stalled over the budget allocated for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. He is one “important” Congress is releasing $24 billion requested by the administration to support the Ukrainians, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday.

Volodymyr Zelensky is also due to pass through the Pentagon on Thursday, before being greeted by Joe and Jill Biden’s wife. The meeting between the two leaders in the Oval Office was later extended to a meeting with representatives of the two countries. The President of the United States wants to “Get an idea of ​​what’s happening on the battlefield”But “Tell President Zelensky very clearly how long we will be with them”John Kirby said Wednesday.

The Ukrainian president’s visit is logically accompanied by speculation about a new announcement of US military aid. He admitted on CNN that the key person involved would feel it “A Certain Disappointment” If he hadn’t left Washington with a promise to get ATACMS long-range tactical missiles. No delivery of such missiles “not excluded”John Kirby announced, however noted“No decision [n’avait] taken”.