Ukraine war: Zelensky heads to US in bid to rescue $60bn military aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has travelled to Washington DC in an attempt to salvage a jeopardised US defence package for Kyiv, valued at billions of dollars. The aid package has become entangled in US domestic politics, with Republicans demanding concessions on border funding in return. This marks Zelensky's third visit to the US since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

This week is pivotal for Ukraine as the European Union (EU) is also deliberating on whether to initiate accession talks with the country. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has indicated his opposition to this move and possesses the power to veto such a decision. Orban and Zelensky had a seemingly intense discussion when they met at the inauguration of Argentina's new president, although the specifics of their conversation remain undisclosed.

Zelensky is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Monday and will hold meetings with US President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. He is also set to address the Senate on Tuesday morning. The White House issued a statement on Sunday, stating that Zelensky's visit is intended to reaffirm the United States' unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia's brutal invasion. The US military aid package, worth $60bn, is currently stalled in Congress due to opposition from Republicans who argue that more funds should be allocated to domestic security at the US-Mexico border.