Share this @internewscast.com

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and four other Democratic senators traveled Friday to Ukraine, where they planned to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid a standoff in Washington over billions of dollars in military aid for the war-torn nation.

The visit comes on the eve of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

For months, Zelenskyy has warned the U.S. and other allies that his military is running out of weapons. Without an emergency infusion of aid, he said, Russia will try to get the upper hand.

Last week, Ukraine withdrew from the city of Avdiivka, a key battleground on the war front.

But U.S. aid for Ukraine has been stalled in Congress since late last year. On Feb. 13, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan; the lopsided vote was 70-29. But House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has refused to put the Senate package on the House floor, saying Congress needs to protect the southern border and enact tough, new border policies before supplying Ukraine with more aid.

Earlier this month, a group of bipartisan Senate negotiators struck a deal on stricter asylum and border policies — an agreement that was endorsed by Senate leaders in both parties. But Republicans quickly abandoned the deal after former President Donald Trump and his congressional allies blasted it for not going far enough.

In a statement Friday, Schumer laid out four objectives of the visit: to show the Ukrainian people that America supports them and will fight to get the aid; to demonstrate the U.S. is not deserting NATO and its European allies; to learn about the weapons Ukraine needs and what advantages Russia would gain if the arms are not delivered; and to recognize “there will be severe political, diplomatic, economic and military consequences that will significantly hurt the American people” if the U.S. abandons its allies.

“When we return to Washington, we will make clear to Speaker Johnson — and others in Congress who are obstructing military and economic support — exactly what is at stake here in Ukraine and for the rest of Europe and the free world,” Schumer said in the statement.

“We will keep working to ensure Congress steps up, does the right thing, and delivers help for our friends and allies.”

The four Democrats joining Schumer’s congressional delegation, known as a CODEL, are: Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed of Rhode Island; Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a member of Reed’s panel; Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, a member of the Intelligence Committee; and Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, chair of the Homeland Security subcommittee on Emerging Threats.

In December, Zelenskyy traveled to Washington, where he appealed directly to Johnson, Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and other congressional leaders for more aid.

“President Zelenskyy’s message was direct: Ukraine will win the war against Russia if more aid is approved. But his message to the contrary was also true: If no more aid is approved, Putin will win,” Schumer, of New York, said after the Dec. 12 meeting. “Ukraine, the West, the United States’ strength as a credible ally are all hanging in the balance right now.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pete Hegseth says West Point professor who resigned over Trump admin education overhaul 'will not be missed'

Pete Hegseth Claims Departing West Point Professor Behind Trump-Era Education Reforms ‘Won’t Be Missed’

The resignation of a West Point professor due to educational changes influenced…
Country singer Morgan Wallen ditches ACM Awards seemingly to hangout with Tom Brady

Country Star Morgan Wallen Skips ACM Awards to Spend Time with Tom Brady

Are you thinkin’ ’bout me? Country music icon Morgan Wallen opted to…
Velocity Jets offers flyers direct flight to Rome in honor of POpe Leo: ad

Velocity Jets Launches Nonstop Flights to Rome Celebrating Pope Leo’s Legacy

Blessed are the jet-setters. A charter company is offering travelers an opportunity…
Republican DA bucks blue state's 'broken sentencing' with tough-on-crime approach

Republican DA Challenges Blue State’s Sentencing Policies with Firm Stance on Crime

A Republican district attorney known for a tough stance on crime is…
Pope Leo XIV appearing on a balcony.

Pope Leo XIV Criticized for Allegedly Ignoring Sexual Abuse Claims Involving Priests in Chicago and Peru

POPE Leo XIV has been accused of “looking the other way” over…
Bryan Kohberger selfie from days before arrest seen for first time

Newly Released Selfie of Bryan Kohberger Taken Days Before Arrest

Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger took a selfie in a black…
A$AP Rocky teases baby name for his and Rihanna's third child

A$AP Rocky Hints at the Name of His and Rihanna’s Third Baby

A$AP Rocky has hinted at the potential name of his and Rihanna’s…
Srinagar International Airport exterior.

Ten Blasts Echo Near Kashmir Airport Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

AT least 10 explosions have been heard near Srinagar International Airport in…
Newark Liberty International Airport radar screens go dark again

Radar screens at Newark Liberty International Airport malfunction once more

Early Friday, radar screens at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey…
Pakistan launches military offensive against India as conflict escalates

Pakistan initiates military operation against India amid rising tensions

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI – Pakistan announced that early on Saturday, it initiated a…
Pope Leo XIV gives 1st homily as American pontiff, says loss in faith has led to crisis in humanity

Pope Leo XIV Delivers First Sermon as American Pope, Claims Decline in Faith Has Sparked Human Crisis

Pope Leo XIV, the first North American to become pope, described his…
Philadelphia Dumpster Divers transforming trash into art for more than 30 years

Philadelphia Dumpster Divers: Over 30 Years of Turning Trash Into Art

Philadelphia, Pa — The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers use upcycled materials in their…