The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, again pressed for military aid from the United States, a package that has faced opposition within the Republican-led ranks in Congress. In a candid conversation with CNN, he described reaching out to President Joe Biden to try to bridge gaps with lawmakers who are wary of approving additional Ukraine funding. The aim was to encourage high-level talks that could lead to a funding agreement, even with the United States nearing its own electoral cycle.
Zelensky conveyed a clear plea: he asked Biden to facilitate a meeting between Democratic and Republican leaders to work out a deal that would sustain Ukraine’s defense needs. He emphasized that such a discussion could help align the two parties toward a practical agreement that supports Kyiv in its defense priorities.
The Ukrainian leader noted that without new American funding, Kyiv would likely shift its focus solely to defense-related operations and resilience measures. He framed the funding question as essential to maintaining a broader set of capabilities on the ground and ensuring continued support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing military challenges.
Earlier, Jake Sullivan, the United States deputy secretary of homeland security, indicated that a strong majority in Congress appeared ready to approve a Ukraine funding bill if House Speaker Mike Johnson brings it to a vote. Sullivan also acknowledged limited federal resources for Ukraine at that moment and reminded listeners that congressional choices influence the pace of assistance. He added that disagreements within the U.S. Congress were tied, in part, to the pressure surrounding battles such as the fight to keep positions in Avdiivka secure, which affected the timing of aid decisions for Kyiv.
There were additional remarks about President Trump’s stance regarding President Putin, highlighting a range of global reactions to the evolving posture of the U.S. and its allies in addressing the war and regional security concerns. [Source: CNN interview; attribution to the reporting network and relevant briefings]