Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address US senators via video during a classified briefing. This comes as the Biden administration urges Congress to approve a request for nearly $106 billion in funds for the wars in Ukraine, Israel, and other security needs. The administration sent an urgent warning about the need to approve military and economic assistance to Ukraine, stating that without it, Ukraine’s war effort to defend itself from Russia’s invasion may come to a halt. Schumer stated that Zelenskyy’s appearance will allow senators to hear directly from him about what is at stake. The briefing will also include top national security officials. The Office of Management and Budget Director, Shalanda Young, warned that the US will run out of funding to send weapons and assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year, which would severely impact Ukraine’s ability to fight. President Biden has requested a $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other needs, but it has faced resistance in Congress. Republicans are skeptical about the amount of assistance for Ukraine and are demanding changes to US-Mexico border policies as a condition for the aid. Negotiations over the border security package have broken down, and talks are expected to resume this week. Congress has already allocated $111 billion to assist Ukraine, but most of it has been depleted. The GOP-controlled House has passed a standalone assistance package for Israel, while the White House insists that all priorities must be met. Some members of Congress are pushing for conditions on military aid to Israel, including reducing civilian casualties and allowing aid to Gaza. The new aid package proposes additional funding for Ukraine, Israel, border security, and other national security provisions. The Biden administration has slowed the pace of military assistance to Ukraine in recent weeks to stretch supplies until more funding is approved. The administration is urging Congress to act quickly, emphasizing that Ukraine needs the aid now. House Republicans are insisting on border policy changes as part of the Ukraine assistance bill, criticizing Biden for a lack of strategy and accountability. The need for assistance was discussed in a classified briefing for congressional leaders, where it was made clear that Ukraine and the US military need the aid soon. Schumer stated that both Republicans and Democrats agree on funding for Ukraine and Israel, but the funding has been delayed by GOP demands for border security provisions. Schumer plans to push forward with Biden’s funding package, but Republicans are threatening to block it with a filibuster unless their demands are met.
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