PARIS: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who once had strong backing from allies in Kyiv’s defense, is facing a series of diplomatic challenges not seen since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Zelensky addressed the US Congress on Thursday, where he encountered skeptical Republicans who are considering cutting off substantial aid to Ukraine’s fight against Russia. He sought to reassure his American supporters that Ukraine remains capable of winning the ongoing war.
The United States has been a leading advocate for Ukraine in the West, with Congress approving over $100 billion in aid, including $43 billion in military assistance.
However, in the past year, there has been a growing chorus of voices advocating for a reduction or cessation of aid. Mick Ryan, a retired Australian military general, noted, “Various interest groups have argued for reducing or even ending assistance,” citing reasons ranging from a focus on prioritizing “China first” to less noble and more isolationist motives.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy publicly expressed his concerns, raising questions about accountability for the funds already spent and seeking clarity on the plan for victory.
Ivan Klyszcz, an expert at the Estonian International Centre for Defence Studies (ICDS), suggested that while Zelensky’s smart public diplomacy efforts may help, they have their limits in addressing the growing skepticism among Republicans. He predicted that Ukraine’s reliance on Europe would likely continue to grow as a result.
