Zelensky has called for ‘results’ from Washington, not just words of support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left Washington and received vocal support from President Biden, Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, but his visit failed to break the congressional shutdown that is holding back billions help for his country.

While Zelensky said he felt supported by the words from his meetings in Washington, he emphasized that he was looking for concrete actions.

“I received the award – more than good, but we know that we have to separate the words and, especially, the results,” he said in a press conference with Biden. “Therefore, we will expect specific results.”

Biden signed $200 million in new military aid during Zelensky’s visit, but lawmakers can’t deliver until 2024 the president’s request for $61 billion in additional funds to help Ukraine.

Republicans have drawn a hard line on Biden’s offer: A negotiated change in US policy in the south in exchange for what was expected to be a smooth transition for Ukraine aid and other things. take priority.

“I’m ready to offer compromises,” Biden said. “Stopping funding to Ukraine in an effort to force through a serious Republican issue on the border is not the way to work.”

Kyiv is now in the middle of one of the most controversial battles in Washington.

“I don’t think Democrats, in particular, appreciate the dedication of Republicans to protecting our southern border,” said Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) The Hill.

However, Zelensky and his supporters are showing hope, encouraged by the statement from the Democrats and Republicans to support Ukraine.

“I think Ukrainians are used to our stupid politics,” said Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University, in a general sense of optimism expressed by the Ukrainian president when he met with supporters in Washington on Monday. evening.

“Zelensky himself was very good. He understands that there is a depth and breadth of support on Capitol Hill and in the DC lobby.”

Lawmakers say Zelensky’s visit was not in vain, even if Republicans tried to block Biden’s additional national security.

“I think it helps to see him in person,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“But what would be more helpful is if the administration seriously negotiates a compromise with Sen. (James) Lankford (R-Okla.), something that President Zelensky knows little about.”

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate GOP leadership, said it was important to hear from Zelensky directly and get an update on the state of the war, but it had little effect on the mind of the team. Republicans are back on top. border policy changes.

“I don’t think it changed any minds,” Ernst said.

“The issue is not Ukraine, and it is not President Zelensky. It is our own national security on our southern border.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he had a good meeting with Zelensky and spoke in favor of continuing U.S. aid to Ukraine, but reiterated his conditions must be met. the Democrats on major policy changes on the southern border.

“I have also made it very clear since the first day, our first position in any area of ​​additional spending for national security is related to our own national security first,” he said.

This is Zelensky’s third visit to Washington within a year, and each visit has been marked by his introduction to a different Speaker of the House, emphasizing the tension and challenging politics in Washington.

“He’s far from stupid, I don’t think anything surprised him,” said Farkas, who was the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia in the during the Obama administration.

“I can’t speak for him, but he didn’t seem to like these relations (with the neighbor). What may make him unhappy is that he doesn’t have the weapons and numbers he wants.

Zelensky used his visit to Washington to promote Ukraine’s success in its nearly two-year war against Russia, even if he showed that an attack in the summer could not give the victory in the field that they tried to achieve.

Looking ahead to next year, Zelensky said the focus will be on increasing Ukraine’s air defense and “destroying Russian weapons on Ukrainian soil.”

“There is no word that we have a plan, we have a clear plan, but if you allow me I cannot tell you publicly the details of the 2024 activities.”

The president of Ukraine, when asked to comment on giving up any territory of Ukraine as part of negotiations with Russia, flatly rejected the idea, calling it “stupid.”

“We are talking about human beings – they are being punished, they are being forced and killed,” said Zelensky, “and the voices that you offered to give our territories, they also offer to provide our people.

He continued, “I don’t know whose idea it is. But I have a question for these people, are they ready to give their children to terrorists? I don’t think so.”

Al Weaver contributed.