US Democratic Senators Visit Ukraine... Meeting with President Zelenskyi

U.S. senators who prepared the budget for supporting Ukraine are visiting Ukraine on the 23rd (local time). The purpose is to console Ukraine, which is under pressure as the related bill has stalled in the House of Representatives.

Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader
[Photo by Yonhap News]

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According to NBC News, five Democratic senators including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Jack Reed, Richard Blumenthal, Michael Bennet, and Maggie Hassan left for Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russia's invasion of Ukraine marks its second year.

Before heading to Ukraine, Leader Schumer said the visit was planned to show that the U.S. supports the people of Ukraine. He also explained that it was to demonstrate that the U.S. does not abandon NATO and its European allies.

Leader Schumer stated, "When I return to Washington, I will make it clear to Speaker Mike Johnson and other members blocking military and economic aid what is at stake for Ukraine, Europe, and the free world."

Earlier, on the 13th, the U.S. Senate passed a budget bill that included additional security assistance targeting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The total budget amounted to $95.3 billion, including $60.1 billion for Ukraine.

The budget bill has yet to pass the House. Unlike the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority, the House is controlled by Republicans, some of whom are insisting on addressing illegal immigration policies first.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is struggling, having lost the eastern battleground of Avdiivka to Russia. President Zelenskyy recently attended the Munich Security Conference held in Germany, urging Western support, stating that the shortage of long-range weapons and shells is delaying the repulsion of Russian forces.

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