WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and a delegation of Republican senators met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Kyiv during an unannounced visit Saturday, presenting the latest demonstration of U.S. solidarity with a country at war with Russia. .
“Our delegation has confirmed to President Zelensky that the United States stands firmly behind Ukraine and will maintain our support until Ukraine wins this war,” McConnell said in a statement issued after the delegation left Ukraine.
A video posted to Zelensky’s Telegram account shows McConnell, R-Ky., And Sensor Susan Collins of Maine, John Baraso of Wyoming and John Cornin of Texas congratulating him in the capital. In an Instagram post, Zelensky called the visit “a strong signal of bipartisan support for Ukraine from the United States Congress and the American people.”
Later in his evening video address. Zelensky said he believed the senators’ trip showed “the strong connection between the Ukrainian and American people.” We discussed various areas of support for our country, including defense and finance, as well as strengthening sanctions against Russia. “
The trip comes as the Senate is working to approve a package of nearly $ 40 billion for Ukraine, a significant infusion of support that will increase U.S. aid to the region by more than $ 50 billion. The measure includes $ 6 billion for Ukraine’s intelligence, equipment and training, plus $ 4 billion in funding to help Ukraine and NATO allies build their military.
Adoption was delayed Thursday by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who called for a proposal by the Inspector General to scrutinize the new spending. But final approval is beyond doubt and could come next week, reflecting strong congressional support for replenishing Ukraine’s military efforts.
“They only want the resources they need to protect themselves from this insane invasion,” McConnell told Ukrainians last week. “And they need that help right now.”
In a statement after the visit, McConnell called the visit “inspiring” and said he and his colleagues saw first-hand “the courage, unity and determination of the Ukrainian people.”
McConnell added: “It is in our national interest to help Ukraine win this war and to help Ukraine and other countries deter other wars of aggression before they begin.”
This was the second high-ranking congressional delegation to stop in Ukraine in so many weeks. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Visited the House of Representatives on May 1 with a group of Democrats and promised Zelensky that the United States “will be with 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.
A delegation of Republicans in the Senate has just left Ukraine after a visit to Kyiv and a meeting with President Zelensky. We saw first hand the courage, unity and determination of the Ukrainian people. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/bsgCMLiZ6M
– Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) May 14, 2022
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