Status: 21.09.2023, 20:00 p.m.
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Once again, Volodymyr Zelensky travels to Washington to solicit further help in the Ukraine war. This time, however, the reception is less friendly.
- Trip to Washington D.C.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets US President Joe Biden
- New weapons for Kyiv: Zelensky hopes for further US support in Ukraine war
- Criticism is getting louder: More and more Republicans criticize military aid to Ukraine
Washington D.C. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the US capital Washington for his visit to the US capital Washington after his appearance at the UN General Assembly in New York. On Thursday morning, he spoke with members of the U.S. Parliament. After a meeting with senators, he was optimistic: "We had a great conversation," Zelensky said, according to the German Press Agency (dpa). The head of government of Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, is grateful for the support his country is receiving from the United States.
Ukraine war: Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes for further US support
The US is by far Ukraine's most important partner in the war against the Russian aggressor. Zelensky is seeking further support in the defensive fight against the Russian invasion. In particular, Kyiv hopes that the Biden administration will provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles that could turn the tide in the Ukraine war. US President Joe Biden will meet Zelensky in the afternoon (local time).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (center) is greeted at the Capitol by Hakeem Jeffries (left), minority leader of the House of Representatives. © J. Scott Applewhite/dpa
It is already Zelensky's second visit to Washington since the beginning of the Ukraine war. On his first visit at the end of December 2022, the Ukrainian president was received like a hero and addressed both chambers of the US Congress to the cheers of representatives and senators. In the meantime, however, the political climate in the US has changed.
USA: More and more Republicans criticize military aid to Ukraine
According to polls, the willingness of the American public to support Kyiv in the Ukraine war is declining, as reported by the New York Times. Republicans have long criticized the Biden administration's latest Ukraine aid package, which is worth $24 billion. There is considerable skepticism in their ranks as to whether the US should continue to pump money on a large scale into a war whose end is not in sight. In front of the Capitol and escorted into the building, Zelensky was greeted by the Democratic minority leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries.
Since last January, the Republicans have had a majority in the House of Representatives, ensuring that Zelensky will be received less euphorically this time. Leading representatives of the Republicans stayed away from the meeting with Zelensky in Congress. Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, refused to allow the Ukrainian president to address both chambers of parliament. "We don't have time for a joint meeting," he said, according to CNN.
Following his visit to the Capitol, Zelensky arrived at the Pentagon and was received by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
