Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to deliver a special address to a joint session of Congress as members mull a package containing about $45 billion in additional assistance to the war-torn country.
Zelensky has been making the rounds in Washington, D.C., meeting with President Joe Biden during his first major trip outside of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February.
Should Congress green-light the new aid, total assistance to Ukraine will reach about $100 billion.
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Prior to his speech, Zelensky pushed for more aid from the United States. The possible new aid is part of a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that Congress is considering to avert a government shutdown.
“We are not in an easy situation. The enemy is increasing its army. Our people are braver and need more powerful weapons. We will pass it on from the boys to the Congress, to the president of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but it is not enough. It is a hint — it is not enough,” Zelensky declared in a video released before his remarks to Congress.
Zelensky’s address comes amid reports of Russia moving to bolster its troop count as the war rages on.
