Washington - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently on his visit to the United States, fervently urged Congress on Tuesday to approve increased assistance in countering Russia's invasion. However, despite Zelenskyy's intensive diplomatic efforts in Washington, the outlook for additional US aid to Ukraine seemed significantly delayed, if not in serious jeopardy.

Following extensive discussions on Capitol Hill, Zelenskyy dedicated additional hours at the White House engaging with President Joe Biden and his advisors on charting a way forward. Despite the US having already supplied Ukraine with $111 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated the invasion over 21 months ago, negotiations faced obstacles. Republicans insisted on tying any additional funds to stringent changes in US-Mexico border security—a proposition contested by Democrats.

The White House cautioned that the absence of new funding by year's end would have immediate repercussions for Ukraine's ability to maintain its territory, let alone reclaim land seized by Russia. As Zelenskyy concluded his two-day visit to Washington, the outcome regarding the political impasse over aid remained uncertain, although negotiations swiftly resumed on Capitol Hill, with key Senate negotiators reporting progress.

Zelenskyy argued that supporting Ukraine's fight for territorial integrity extended beyond the country itself, emphasizing the broader implications. In a press statement, he stressed, "For nearly two years, we've been in a full-scale war—the biggest since World War II, fighting for freedom. No matter what Putin tries, he hasn't won any victories. Thanks to Ukraine's success—success in defense—other European nations are safe from Russian aggression."

President Biden echoed these concerns, warning that a failure to provide further aid to Ukraine would embolden Putin and others globally. He urged Congress to act swiftly, stating, "Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess, before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him."

Zelenskyy reinforced his case during private meetings with congressional leaders, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainian forces in pushing back the Russian invasion with the support of American and other Western allies. He reiterated the urgency of not withdrawing support at this critical juncture, emphasizing, "The fight we're in is a fight for freedom."

In private meetings with senators and House leaders, Zelenskyy faced bipartisan support but encountered challenges in changing minds. Despite the complex negotiations, Zelenskyy remained steadfast, projecting confidence in Ukraine's ability to triumph over Russia and symbolically showcasing his commitment by drafting men in their 30s and 40s for the battle.