A surprise meeting in Washington will take place between Zelensky and Biden on Wednesday. What will they talk about?
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will make a surprise visit to Washington today on Wednesday, marking his first foreign trip since the war started. Ukraine is still in the midst of a fierce war of defense against Russia, though things have slightly settled down for the moment.
The visit to Joe Biden holds strong symbolic importance. Ukraine would not have gained any success on the ground were it not for American support. Washington, on the other hand, believes that Ukrainian victory would mean peace for Europe and the destruction of the longtime Russian enemy.
But the war is still not over, as Russia occupies over 15% of Ukrainian territory. In Autumn, Ukraine’s fields turn into mud, therefore any military operation is basically impossible. In a few weeks, once the mud will have frozen, the war will likely resume.
And with the threat of a possible (though unlikely to succeed) Russian attack on Kyiv, Zelensky needs as much support as possible.
The European Union has already promised a major aid package to Ukraine for 2023. The €18 billion loan provides financial relief for the reconstruction of Ukraine, including the critical infrastructures hit by Russia in their bombing campaigns.
This EU package was almost vetoed by Hungary, whose prime minister Viktor Orban is the closest Putin ally within the block. But after Brussels threatened to withhold €7.5 billion in European funds, Orban suddenly changed his mind on the veto.
What will Zelensky do in Washington
But the most important ally of Ukraine remains the United States. So far, Joe Biden’s administration provided over $18 billion in armaments and financial reliefs.
Indeed, the relationship that connects Washington and Kyiv is similar to that between the US and the Western allies in WWII. The “land-lease” package provides Ukraine with anything they might need.
Thanks to American HIMARS and other top-tier equipment, Ukraine managed to repel the Russian invaders and reconquer huge swaths of land.
At the moment, the United States is preparing another $40 billion package for 2023.
Aids to Ukraine generally have bipartisan support, meaning that both Republican and Democrats agree upon them. A small wing of the Republican party, however, has started to vocally oppose a “blank check” to Ukraine.
In order to maintain unbroken American support, Zelensky hopes to cancel Republican threats with his visit to Washington. He will address Congress personally, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked all members to be present.
It is highly unlikely that the US will withdraw aid to Ukraine any time soon: American interests in the region go far beyond party rivalry.
But Zelensky does not want to take any chance, and will use this brief period of tranquility on the front to strengthen his diplomacy.
