The President of Ukraine is visiting the US capital where he will meet US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday. Following the meeting, the parties will hold a press conference at 22:15 Norwegian time. Strong meeting Earlier in the day, Zelenskyj met the two top leaders in the Senate. Charles Schumer describes the meeting with the Ukrainian president as “very strong”. – Zelenskyj made it clear that Ukraine badly needs help and that if they get this help, they can win the war, Schumer said after the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi is present in the US capital together with Mitch McConnell and Charles Schumer on December 12, 2023. Photo: ANNA MONEYMAKER / AFP Zelenskyi said during his visit to Washington that disputes over aid to Ukraine are the dream scenario of Russian President Vladimir Putin. When the president visited the USA barely a year ago, he was met by an American people who gave their full support to Ukraine in the war against Russia. Now the pipe has a different sound. Support among Republicans in particular has dwindled. Domestic politics in the US play an important role for the Republicans, who use the Ukraine support as a bargaining chip in matters of border control between the US and Mexico. Needed funds Budget support for the war-torn country is absolutely needed. Because without fresh money, Ukraine will be bankrupt already in February next year. Then it will not be possible to pay public employees such as teachers and nurses. In addition, it will be a serious scratch in the paint for the EU’s credibility. The Union has promised to support Ukraine as long as necessary. Facts about the Republic of Ukraine with 41 million inhabitants (not including the Crimean peninsula). With an area of just over 603,000 square kilometers, Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe after Russia. In comparison, mainland Norway’s area is around 324,000 square kilometers. The Kingdom of Kiev, founded in 882, was the first Slavic state formation. Ukraine was part of the Russian Empire from the late 18th century until the revolution in 1917. Formally incorporated into the Soviet Union from 1922 until the union’s dissolution in 1991. Declared independence on 24 August 1991. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has led the country since May 2019. In 2014, the Crimean peninsula was annexed by Russia. Russia also supports the rebels in eastern Ukraine and recognizes the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent republics. Not a member of the EU or NATO. (Source: NTB) Don’t give up In a speech to a military university in Washington on Monday, Zelensky said that he hopes he can still trust the United States. – We don’t give up. Putin must lose. We know what needs to be done. They can trust Ukraine, and we hope we can trust you, Zelenskyy said when he began the important visit to the United States. A serious Ukrainian president spoke to the press in Washington DC on Monday Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP The Biden administration has warned Congress that the war in Ukraine could tip in Putin’s favor if US aid to Ukraine is not extended. The Democrats are trying to realize a support package of 50 billion dollars, but it is urgent because Congress takes its Christmas break next Friday. – If there is anyone who rejoices that matters are not resolved in Congress, it is Putin and his sick people, Zelenskyj said. Fateful The EU summit this week could be fateful for Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatens to veto four decisive points. Green light for negotiations on EU membership and a big bag of money. That is the promise the EU has signaled to Ukraine. Now a real nervousness has started to spread in Brussels ahead of the last and important EU summit of the year on Thursday and Friday this week.
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