What to expect from Zelenskyy's visit to U.S.: Political analyst's opinion
Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet Joe Biden tomorrow (Photo: Getty Images)
The approval of the United States Senate for aid to Ukraine, as proposed by the Joe Biden administration, largely depends on a compromise between Republicans, Democrats, and the White House. The current visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington has a different purpose, according to political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko.
Fesenko believes that the biggest mistake made by Ukrainian officials this year was making public predictions about the military situation, European integration, and other issues. He also notes that the situation in this matter depends not on Ukraine but on the ability to find a compromise between Republicans, Democrats, and the White House.
"Will they find this compromise in the coming days? Then there will be a chance for the aid to be voted on. If they do not find it, unfortunately, there is a high risk that it will not be voted on. Both sides are sticking to the principle, with Republicans demanding border security first, and then everything else," he explained.
Fesenko also adds that representatives of the Republican Party, except for a group of the most ardent opponents, are not against providing assistance to Ukraine. "Even the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, supports it, although he criticized it earlier," he noted.
It is also pointed out that even in a negative scenario, it does not mean that the U.S. will cease providing defensive support to Ukraine. The alternative could resemble how Washington cooperates with Israel, where arms are supplied without the need for a vote in Congress.
Fesenko concludes that although it is difficult to say what exactly Zelenskyy will bring back from the U.S., his task is to convince partners that delaying assistance is no longer possible, and the supply has already slowed down, with the Defense Forces facing a shortage of ammunition.
President Zelenskyy's visit to Washington and the issue of U.S. aid to Ukraine
It was announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would visit the United States on December 11, with a scheduled meeting with President Joe Biden. Additionally, on December 12, Zelensky is expected to address American senators.
All of this is happening against the backdrop of disagreements in Congress regarding new funding for assistance to Ukraine. Last week, Republicans in the Senate refused to support the package, which includes aid for Ukraine. They are demanding increased border security from the White House.
For more details on Zelenskyy's trip to the U.S., read RBC-Ukraine's material.
