Zelenskyy Faces Critical Day For Future Of Ukraine Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today faces the most consequential day of his US trip with a series of key meetings at Capitol Hill, a first visit to the Pentagon, and bilateral meetings with President Biden at the White House.

• Firstly, Zelenskyy will attend an all-Senators briefing at the Old Senate Chamber. Politico notes that the location is, “a rare privilege accorded to few, if any, world leaders...”
• Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) told reporters this week: “...if we were to have a government shutdown or to pass a CR with no Ukraine aid, the effect on Ukraine would be very quick and devastating.”
• Contrasted with increasingly Ukraine-sceptic House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who told reporters this week: “Is Zelensky elected to Congress? Is he our president? I don’t think I have to commit anything.”
• McCarthy (R-CA) rejected a White House request for a similar briefing with House Reps and joint address to Congress and will instead huddle with Zelenskyy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) in a Capitol Hill office.
• More on Ukraine aid and govt funding in today's MNI US Daily Brief.