WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has canceled plan to appeal directly to US legislators for new aid and help, as a partisan battle over policy of immigration threatened to derail President Joe Biden’s plea for billions of dollars for Ukraine’s fight against Moscow, Western media reported on Tuesday.
Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate have been debating for weeks over President Biden’s October plea that Congress adopts 106 billion dollars for Ukraine. The House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson stated funds for Ukraine must be inked to “transformative change” in American immigration policy.
On Tuesday, Senate Democrats revealed their 110.5 billion dollars bill addressing Joe Biden’s plea, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated he would try to break the deadlock by offering Republican lawmakers the chance to add an amendment on border policy on legislation including help to Ukraine.
President Zelensky Cancels Address to US Legislators
Members of the US House of Representatives and Senate participated in classified briefings by Biden administration officials, which President Zelensky had been likely to address via videolink. But Schumer announced the Ukrainian President was unable to attend. Schumer said that something took place at the last minute.
Johnson also released a letter asking for more information from Biden’s administration regarding its strategy for Kyiv, and asserting that immigration policy changes should be part of any funding bill.
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“I repeat that Biden must satisfy Congressional oversight inquiries regarding the Administration’s failure thus far to show clearly defined purposes, and its failure to give essential weapons for Kyiv on a timely basis,” Johnson added.
US Congress has approved around 113 billion dollars for Ukraine since Russia-Ukraine war, but it has not endorsed any new funds since Republicans took control of the House from Democrats in January.
