Third Visit to the US by Zelensky Appeals for Support for Ukraine

"Ukraine Defense Ensures European Security" Emphasized
Biden Expresses Unwavering Support
"Will Continue Weapon Support as Much as Possible"
US Public Opinion Worsens... Congressional Approval Uncertain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and congressional leaders, appealing for support for Ukraine. President Biden responded with unwavering support, including military aid. However, in Congress, the emergency security aid budget has reached a deadlock due to worsening public opinion in the U.S. regarding support for Ukraine. The Republican Party continues to show a lukewarm response.

On the 12th (local time), after holding a summit with President Zelensky at the White House, President Biden stated at a joint press conference, "Neither I nor the American people will abandon Ukraine," adding, "We will continue to provide major weapons and equipment to Ukraine as long as we can." He emphasized, "I will not leave Ukraine," and said, "If we do not back down, Ukraine will overcome the hardships of this war with pride, freedom, and strong roots in the West."

He urged Congress to pass the Ukraine aid budget, saying, "Congress must compromise. Prove that Putin is wrong."

At the press conference, President Biden announced $200 million in military aid to Ukraine that does not require congressional approval. The aid package includes anti-aircraft interceptors, artillery, and ammunition.

However, a subtle change was detected in President Biden’s remarks that day. Previously, he had said he would support Ukraine "as long as it takes," but at this press conference, the phrase was softened to "as long as we can." CNN noted that this likely reflects the uncertain prospects of the aid budget passing through Congress.

President Zelensky also appealed for the importance of supporting Ukraine. He said, "It is very important whether we can send a very strong signal to the aggressor by the end of this year," emphasizing, "Thanks to Ukraine’s defense, other European countries are safe from Russian aggression." Regarding his meeting with U.S. congressional leaders that day, he said, "I received signals (about the approval of the Ukraine aid budget) that were more than positive," but added, "I will rely on concrete results."

This visit to the U.S. is President Zelensky’s third since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. As the Republican-majority House of Representatives maintains a lukewarm stance toward passing the $110 billion security budget, which includes $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, Zelensky urgently came to the U.S. to appeal for the budget’s approval before the Christmas recess.

However, he is likely to return empty-handed. After meeting with President Zelensky, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the White House stated, "There is no clear strategy to win," and "We cannot give answers that put Americans in debt." Public opinion in the U.S. is also not very favorable toward Ukraine. According to an online poll conducted by major foreign media and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business from December 5 to 6, surveying 1,004 American voters, 48% of Americans felt that the amount of military and financial aid to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia, is "too much."

BBC reported, "Unlike Zelensky’s previous two visits to the U.S., there was no red carpet or ceremonial fanfare," adding, "This reflects the pessimism surrounding the White House’s new funding efforts."