Zelenskyy to address US senators during closed briefing
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address senators via a secure video conference link during a closed briefing on Tuesday, 5 December.
Source: The Hill with reference to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
Details: The Hill said Zelenskyy will inform senators about the state of the war in Ukraine and the need for another military aid package. This briefing will occur a day before the Senate's planned vote on the transition to a legislative mechanism to provide emergency US$106 billion in foreign aid, including over US$61 billion for Ukraine.
Quote: "The administration has invited President Zelenskyy to address senators … as part of our classified briefing tomorrow so we can hear directly from him precisely what's at stake in this vote.
I ask that all senators – all senators – attend this important briefing."
Previously: Republicans in the US Congress threatened to block the allocation of assistance to Ukraine if it did not include a decision on US border security.
Background:
- On 16 November, US President Joe Biden signed a short-term government funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. This bill did not include funding to support either Ukraine or Israel.
- The spending bill does not include the White House's request for nearly US$106 billion in aid to Israel and Ukraine.
- The US Senate planned to consider a joint package of bills, which includes aid to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and strengthening of the border, after Thanksgiving, which was celebrated on 23 November in the United States.
- Republican congressman Don Bacon said the House of Representatives already knows what to do with the draft bill on aid to Ukraine, as well as how much money they want to allocate to Kyiv. In his opinion, the bill could be considered in December.
- The Biden administration is urging Congress to approve the White House's request for aid to Ukraine as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences for its defence capabilities.
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