Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who began a key visit to Washington to boost security aid, told a US military audience on Monday that he hoped he could still count on the United States and urged Congress not to play Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin, reports said News. ro with reference to the Reuters agency.

Volodymyr Zelensky, press conference in the White HousePhoto: Pool/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia

“We will not give up. We know what we have to do, and you can count on Ukraine. And we also hope that we can rely on you,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi said during a speech at the National University of Defense.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has warned Congress that not renewing military aid to Ukraine could tilt the war in favor of Russia, creating threats to the national security of Western countries.

Alluding to the controversy in Congress regarding the allocation of aid, Zelenskyi emphasized that “it is important that politics does not betray the soldiers.”

“Let me be honest with you guys. If anyone is inspired by the unresolved issues on Capitol Hill (the US Congress is not), it is only Putin and his sick clique,” Zelenskyy said.

The president of Ukraine has been invited to meetings at the White House and with members of Congress on Tuesday, as many Republican congressmen questioned the continuation of aid to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine early last year, sparking a war that has killed and injured hundreds of thousands of people and led to the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West in six decades. Thanks to billions of dollars in US military aid, as well as US intelligence, Ukraine managed to repel Russia’s first attempt to take over the country and force Russian troops out of key cities. But Kiev failed to break through Russian defenses in a major counteroffensive this year, and Russia is now on the offensive in the east.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that Putin is still hoping for victory in Ukraine, even as he has assured the US of the country’s “unwavering” support. “Despite his crimes and despite his isolation, Putin still thinks he can survive Ukraine and that he can survive America. But he’s wrong,” Austin said to applause. He added, clearly referring to Congress: “America’s commitments must be met.”

Congress approved more than $110 billion for Ukraine after Russia invaded in February 2022, but has not approved any funds since Republicans took over the House of Representatives from Democrats in January. By mid-November, the Defense Department had used 97 percent of the $62.3 billion it has in additional funds, and the State Department had used all $4.7 billion in military aid to Ukraine, said Shalanda Young, director of the U.S. Budget Office. last week.

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