WASHINGTON.- The American president Joe Biden invited his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyto visit him in Washington next Tuesday, indicated an official spokeswoman, at a time when the Democratic leader expresses his “unwavering commitment” to Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion after Congress blocked a request for aid funds.
Both leaders “will discuss urgent needs of Ukraine” for their fight against the Russian invasion and “the vital importance of continued US support at this critical time,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement released Sunday.
Zelensky calls for cooperation
The Ukrainian presidency said in a statement that the meeting will focus on key issues such as “increased defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, in particular through joint projects on the production of weapons and air defense systems.” , as well as the coordination of efforts between our countries in the coming year.”
In a blow to Zelensky, Republican senators last week blocked a request for $106 billion in emergency aid mainly for Ukraine and Israel after conservatives resisted the exclusion of immigration reforms they had demanded conditioned as part of the package.
It was a setback for Biden, as he had urged lawmakers to approve the package, warning that Vladimir Putin would not stop with victory in Ukraine and could even attack a NATO nation.
The White House said in a statement that the meeting came at a critical time, “as Russia intensifies its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine.”
Source: AFP
