Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi arrived in Washington on Monday, where he hopes to unlock the necessary financial aid being discussed in the US Congress for his country, which is at war with Russia, AFP and Agerpres reported.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Joe BidenPhoto: Office of the President of Ukraine / DPA / Profimedia

The United States is Kyiv’s most important supporter, but President Joe Biden’s pledge to continue financial aid to Ukraine faces serious challenges.

Last week, the US Congress failed to pass a package for Ukraine worth more than $61 billion, and Volodymyr Zelensky hopes that his visit will increase pressure on Washington in this regard.

The head of the Ukrainian state will speak in front of the University of Washington on Monday at noon together with the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, but the key day of his visit to the US will be Tuesday.

In the early morning, Zelensky will go to Congress, which has allocated more than $110 billion since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, but has not voted for a new aid package.

At 9:00 a.m. local time (14:00 GMT), he will be hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, two supporters of aid to Ukraine.

After his speech to the senators, Zelensky will meet with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson. The latter fundamentally announced the allocation of new funds to Kyiv, but he must also convince the Republican faction that supports former President Donald Trump.

After the discussions in the US legislative body, Volodymyr Zelenskyi will go to the White House, where he will hold a meeting with his American colleague Joe Biden.

“The two leaders will discuss the urgent needs of Ukraine and the vital importance of continued US support at this critical time,” said Karin Jean-Pierre, spokeswoman for President Joe Biden.

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