Some American media recently reported that Ukrainian President Zelensky planned to visit Washington on the 21st local time. If the trip goes well, it will be Zelensky's first trip to the United States since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The US media quoted several congressional figures in the report, and mentioned that Speaker of the House of Representatives Pelosi called on members to attend the meeting on the evening of the 21st. However, US media analysis shows that due to the current crisis in Ukraine, such a travel plan undoubtedly carries huge risks and sensitivity.
However, while the US media was still speculating on the authenticity of the news, Zelensky posted that he was on his way to the United States. The purpose of his trip was to strengthen Ukraine's military defense capabilities and resilience and to discuss cooperation between Ukraine and the United States with Biden.
Although the risks are high, Zelensky is also very clear about the necessity of this visit - whether it is the situation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict itself or the numerous "cash machines" from the United States and Europe, it has reached a critical node on how to continue.
First, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee announced a $1.7 trillion comprehensive appropriation bill for fiscal year 2023 on December 19. Part of this money is used to alleviate domestic inflation in the United States, and part of it is used for emergency assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies. The aid portion alone is as high as 44.9 billion U.S. dollars. However, according to the process of the U.S. Congress, after the Senate approves it, the House of Representatives still needs to vote. If the House of Representatives approves it, it can be placed on Biden's desk and signed into effect. This means that there are still variables whether Ukraine can successfully receive this "transfer". After all, in the just-concluded U.S. midterm elections, the ruling Democratic Party controlled the Senate, while the Republicans controlled the House of Representatives.
Second, compared to the Democratic Party's active aid to Ukraine, the Republican Party's position is also very clear - it will not repeatedly issue " blank checks " for Ukraine. Although the Republicans are still "infighting" over who should be the speaker after taking control of the House of Representatives, the overall attitude of the Republicans is also consistent: there will be more scrutiny of Ukraine's aid in the new Congress. What's more, if the $44.9 billion in aid in the fiscal year 2023 comprehensive appropriations bill is passed, it will mean that the total emergency aid provided by the United States exceeds $100 billion. Therefore, whether it is for the White House or for Ukraine, if the United States continues to be Ukraine's "cash machine" in the next few years, it may face greater resistance. Zelensky is also aware of this.
Third, US media analysis shows that if Zelensky visits the United States, Biden will announce US$1.8 billion in military assistance to Ukraine during this period. This is a major program that includes the provision of Patriot missile launch pads and precision guided bombs for the first time. This aid marks that the United States will provide Ukraine with more advanced weapons to strengthen its air defense capabilities and resist recent air strikes from Russia. At such a critical moment, it is necessary for Zelensky to stand up.
Fourth, European countries that are closer to this conflict are also having a hard time. On the one hand, many NATO members have stated that weapons inventories are tight and they cannot continue to assist Ukraine. On the other hand, the energy crisis spreading across Europe has forced countries to drastically cut spending, while the inflation rate as high as 11% is causing the European continent to be on the verge of recession.
Fifth, from the perspective of the Russia-Ukraine conflict itself, the counteroffensive organized by Ukraine in the summer and autumn was once very effective, but it stalled in the south and east of the conflict area, which allowed Russia to penetrate deeper. With the arrival of the cold winter, Russia and Ukraine have slowed down the fighting, and the current situation is more like the trench warfare of vs. . However, the Ukrainian military has also warned recently that the mobilization of Russian troops and tanks may herald another major offensive in the coming weeks.
Speaking of memories of his trip to the United States, the meeting with Trump that impressed Zelensky most deeply should be. If there was still room to save face after being rejected at that time, now it is "a shot without turning back" and Ukraine must strive for continued "payment" from the United States. Meeting with Biden and delivering a speech in the U.S. Congress are already necessary steps, and they are what Zelensky is best at.#Media Weekly#
