Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a more splintered GOP when he returns to Capitol Hill on Thursday, September 22, 2023, looking for more military and financial aid.
A group of Republican lawmakers has vowed to oppose President Biden’s request for an additional $24 billion in security, economic, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. In a letter to the White House, the group said that it is rejecting the request because Americans need to know more about where their money has gone and because the Biden administration has not articulated a clear strategy for victory in Ukraine.
The group includes some of the most outspoken critics of Ukraine aid in the GOP, such as Representatives Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert. They have argued that the United States should not be getting involved in the war in Ukraine and that the money would be better spent on domestic priorities.
However, there is still a strong coalition of GOP support for Ukraine funding on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been a strong advocate for Ukraine, and he has urged his fellow Republicans to support the Biden administration’s request for more aid.
It is unclear how the splintering of the GOP on Ukraine aid will affect Zelensky’s visit to Capitol Hill. He is scheduled to meet with President Biden and lawmakers from both parties. He is expected to make the case for more support as Ukraine tries to sustain a counteroffensive against Russian forces.
The outcome of Zelensky’s visit could depend on how successfully he can convince the GOP that continued support for Ukraine is in the United States’ best interests. He will need to address the concerns of those Republicans who are skeptical of Ukraine aid, while also reassuring those Republicans who are supportive of Ukraine that their assistance is making a difference.