Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued an impassioned appeal for continued US military aid as he arrived in Washington on Monday.
Addressing military officials, he said Ukraine is not fighting just for its own freedom but for global democracy.
His comments come as an aid package worth billions languishes in Congress amid a partisan political row.
Rebuking Republicans, who are blocking the aid, Mr Zelensky called the delay a “dream come true” for Vladimir Putin.
“If there’s anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill, it’s just Putin and his sick clique,” the Ukrainian leader argued.
Mr Zelensky is expected to make similar remarks in a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday. He will also meet House Speaker Mike Johnson, a noted sceptic of additional military aid.
The visit marks Mr Zelensky’s third trip to the US since Russia’s 2022 invasion, and the White House said in a statement on Sunday that his visit was meant “to underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion”.
The US military aid package, worth $60bn (£47.9bn; €55bn), is currently stalled in Congress, facing pushback from Republicans who argue that more money should be going to domestic security at the US-Mexico border.
A vote in the Senate last week saw a package, which included the funding but no border measures, blocked by Republicans.
Source : BBC
