WASHINGTON ( Associated Press) – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and a delegation of GOP senators meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky In Kyiv during an unannounced visit on Saturday, Russia delivered the latest display of US solidarity with the country at war.
A video posted to Zelensky’s Telegram account shows McConnell, R-Q and Sans Susan Collins of Maine, John Barrasso of Wyoming and John Cornyn of Texas greeting them in the capital. Zelensky called the visit “a strong sign of bipartisan support for Ukraine from the United States Congress and the American people” in an Instagram post.
The visit comes at a time when the Senate is working to approve a nearly $40 billion package for Ukraine, a bulk of support that would push US aid to the region above $50 billion. The measure includes $6 billion in intelligence, equipment and training for its forces for Ukraine, as well as $4 billion in funding to help Ukraine and NATO allies build up their forces.
Passage Delayed Thursday by Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who sought the inclusion of a proposal by an Inspector General to examine the new expenditure. But final approval is not in doubt and could come in the coming week, reflecting overwhelming support in Congress to refocus the Ukrainian war effort.
“They are only asking for the resources they need to defend themselves against this deranged invasion,” McConnell told Ukrainians this past week. “And they need this help right now.”
This was the second high-profile congressional delegation to stay in Ukraine in as many weeks. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., visited with a group of House Democrats on May 1 And promised Zelensky that the United States “will be there for you until the battle is over.”
First Lady Jill Biden visited western Ukraine last weekend For a Mother’s Day meeting with Zelensky’s wife, Olena Zelenska.
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