Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris arrive at a press convention on the Munich Safety Convention on Saturday.
Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
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Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris arrive at a press convention on the Munich Safety Convention on Saturday.
Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
MUNICH — Vice President Harris mentioned on Saturday that there was no backup plan for giving Ukraine weapons and funding if a package deal of help fails to advance within the U.S. Home of Representatives.
”There’s solely Plan A, which is to make sure that Ukraine receives what it wants,” Harris mentioned after assembly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The 2 leaders met on the sidelines of the annual Munich Safety Convention, the place the stalled Ukraine help has fueled European considerations about whether or not they can depend on the US as a companion.
Harris was on the convention to attempt to reassure allies. ”We’re unwavering and that has nothing to do with an election cycle — it has to do with who we’re and how much nation we need to be — one which stands with our pals,” she mentioned.
Individually, President Biden referred to as Zelenskyy on Saturday ”to underscore the US’ dedication to proceed supporting Ukraine” forward of the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, the White Home mentioned.
”This morning, Ukraine’s army was pressured to withdraw from Avdiivka after Ukrainian troopers needed to ration ammunition resulting from dwindling provides on account of congressional inaction, leading to Russia’s first notable positive factors in months,” the assertion continued. Biden ”emphasised the necessity for Congress to urgently cross” funding for Ukraine.
It is unclear if or when the help will advance within the Home
Congress authorised greater than $112 billion for help to Ukraine in 2022. In October, Biden requested for about $60 billion extra as a part of a broad nationwide safety package deal. The Senate authorised the request earlier this month.
However in Washington, it’s unclear if or when the help will advance within the Home of Representatives. Former President Donald Trump, who’s the frontrunner to turn into the Republican nominee for this yr’s presidential election, opposes the package deal, and Home Speaker Mike Johnson has been noncommittal about bringing it ahead for a vote.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the ”electoral, inside, political” challenges inside the US, however mentioned there was ”no various” for Ukraine to having Washington as its companion.
He mentioned a lot will depend on ”this single voting process” in Congress, and described how U.S.-supplied Patriot missiles have been permitting his nation’s economic system to maintain functioning.
”We’re relying on this optimistic determination of the Congress,” he mentioned. ”For us, this package deal is significant.”