President Joe Biden is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Tuesday for pivotal discussions, according to a statement from spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.
The meeting, scheduled for December 12, aims to reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s aggressive military actions. “This visit will highlight our ongoing resolve to stand with the Ukrainian people as they face Russia’s unprovoked and ongoing invasion,” Jean-Pierre remarked on Sunday.
The agenda will focus on Ukraine’s pressing needs and the crucial role of continued U.S. support during this key phase of the conflict. This comes as Russia intensifies its missile and drone assaults on Ukraine.
The announcement follows the Senate’s inability to pass Biden’s proposed spending bill of over $105 billion, which includes substantial military aid for Ukraine and Israel.
To date, Congress has allocated approximately $111 billion for Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, funding critical military equipment and arms transfers. However, the White House has expressed concern over the near depletion of these funds, anticipating a shortfall by the end of the year.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgency of the situation earlier, warning of the consequences if the U.S. fails to provide additional support to Ukraine. “The implications are clear: without further aid, Putin’s aggression could escalate unchecked, potentially extending beyond Ukraine,” Blinken stated.