Zelensky Planning Surprise D.C. Visit To Address Congress

Topline

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning to travel to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to address a joint session of Congress, according to multiple reports, in what would be his first trip out of Ukraine since Russia started its invasion in February.

Key Facts

Details of the trip are not known but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sent a letter to colleagues Tuesday asking them to “be present for a very special focus on Democracy Wednesday night.”

The visit might still be called off for security reasons, Punchbowl News reported, though U.S. Capitol Police are actively ramping up safety measures, according to Axios.

Zelensky plans to meet with congressional leadership from both parties during the visit, according to Punchbowl News, which first reported the trip.

Key Background

Zelensky on Tuesday traveled to the war-ravaged city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, awarding medals to soldiers just off the front lines of battle. Zelensky has been a constant in Ukraine since the war began, with his nightly addresses focused on the patriotism and resolve of the Ukrainian people. Ukraine has been heavily reliant on both U.S. weapons and training to fight back against Russian forces, though, receiving around $68 billion worth of aid to fight the war, according to the bipartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. Congress is on the verge of approving another $45 billion in aid to Ukraine as part of a government funding bill, bringing the total aid package to well over $100 billion if approved.

What To Watch For

Republicans are set to take control of the House in January. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) prompted some concerns about the future of Ukraine’s funding in October, when he said in an interview, “people are gonna be sitting in a recession and they’re not going to write a blank check to Ukraine.”

Tangent

Zelensky gave a virtual address to Congress in March, where he appeared to press for additional funding along with continued sanctions against Russia, saying, “peace is more important than income.”

Further Reading

Zelensky planning to visit Washington to address Congress (Axios)

Ukrainians ‘Concerned’ About GOP Cutting War Funding If It Wins Control Of Congress, Report Says (Forbes)