President Biden to Meet with Ukrainian President
President Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, followed by a joint news conference at the White House. This meeting comes at a crucial time as Congress has hit a roadblock in passing a measure to fund aid for Ukraine.
Last week, a Democratic bill aimed at providing billions in aid for both Ukraine and Israel failed to pass the Senate. The failure was a result of Republicans and Democrats failing to reach an agreement on border security and immigration policy, which Republicans had made a condition for supporting the aid. The Office of Management and Budget has warned that U.S. funding for Ukraine will run dry by the end of the month.
Prior to the failed vote, President Biden urged Congress to pass aid for Ukraine as it faces aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Republicans have become increasingly skeptical of providing aid to Ukraine, demanding transparency and accountability while emphasizing the need to prioritize U.S. border security.
"Make no mistake – today's vote is going to be long remembered," President Biden stated last week. "And history is going to judge harshly those who turn their back on freedom's cause. We can't let Putin win."
Zelenskyy's Visit and Biden's Press Conference
Zelenskyy's visit also comes after Attorney General Merrick Garland's announcement that the U.S. charged four Russian soldiers with war crimes, alleging the soldiers abducted and tortured an American citizen in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy last visited Washington, D.C., in September, thanking Congress for its help, and requesting more aid.
"I hope that the U.S. Congress will continue to take important decisions to provide financial assistance to Ukraine," Zelenskyy tweeted after his September visit. "Oversight, transparency, and accountability for all the aid is absolutely important and imperative."
How to watch Biden's press conference with Zelenskyy
- What: Biden and Zelenskyy hold joint press conference
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023
- Time: 4:15 p.m.
- Location: White House
- Online stream: Live on CBS News in the player above and on your mobile or streaming device.
