![]() “We need Congress to act by the end of December to prevent any interruption to funding from Ukraine.” “It just highlights what's at stake,” the official said. One administration official insisted that the stalled border talks would not overshadow Zelenskyy’s pleas. The Biden administration, meanwhile, continues to project cautious optimism about the potential for a deal, even amid the dour indications from Capitol Hill. is saving lots of American lives and treasure in the long run.” But he firmly believes that by helping Ukraine fight back against Russian aggression, the U.S. The adviser added: “He does have empathy towards Republicans because he understands that many Republicans who support Ukraine aid are in a difficult position politically due to populist sentiments in their home districts. “Let me be frank with you friends,” he said, “if there’s anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill it is just Putin and his sick clique.” What he can do is remind lawmakers that Ukraine is possibly the last thing standing between a direct clash between NATO and Russia - a message he previewed yesterday at the National Defense University. Zelenskyy knows enough, the person added, not to take any particular position on U.S. “And he's asked for very intensive briefings on what is happening now.” “He has, over the last two years, gotten quite a good sense of American politics,” a person familiar with the president’s thinking, said late last night, speaking anonymously in order to preview the visiting president’s thinking. Zelenskyy, we’re told, is not walking into the situation blindly. “Otherwise,” he said, “it slips into January.” JAMES LANKFORD (R-Okla.), who is leading the border talks for the GOP, told our Hill colleagues “there’s no time” to cut a deal and deliver Ukraine aid this month. ![]() ![]() The House is set to leave town Thursday, and Johnson insisted at a WSJ event last night that any Ukraine funding will have to be paired with far-reaching border policy changes. The fact is, the crucial negotiation that could unlock an agreement is out of his hands entirely, and it’s moving at a snail’s pace. Some skeptical senators are suggesting they’ll skip this morning’s meeting, and it appears the vast majority of House members will have no opportunity to hear directly from him. ![]() The question is whether those who must be convinced will hear that message at all. His message will be simple: We need your help, and do what you need to do - fast - to get it to us. In a few hours, he’ll speak to senators, followed by a meeting with House Speaker MIKE JOHNSON, before heading to the White House for a bilat and news conference with Biden. It’s fair to ask what Zelenskyy can reasonably hope to accomplish. And the West’s unity against Russia appears to be fraying, with Ukraine skeptics prevailing recently in elections abroad. Congress is balking at Biden’s request for $61 billion in new funding. Today, Biden and congressional leaders will meet a different, desperate Zelenskyy. Nearly a year ago, the Ukrainian president made his first Washington visit since Russia invaded his country, soaking up waves of applause and pledges for cooperation as hopes ran high for a successful spring offensive and a resounding defeat for VLADIMIR PUTIN’s forces. Z’S MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? - We’ve come a long way from VOLODMYR ZELENSKYY, rock star. this week to ask for more aid in the fight against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Washington D.C.
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