Zelensky, at a press conference with Biden, said he held productive talks with U.S. leaders and called for unity against Russian aggression.
He also said Ukraine is holding strong against Russian forces and “becoming less dependent on aid.”
“We are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Biden sought to reassure the Ukrainian leader, telling him not to give up hope.
“We’re going to stay at your side,” Biden said.
But Congress remains unmoved on Biden’s request to provide $61 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said after a meeting with Zelensky that he remained unbowed: Ukraine support must come with a strong border security package.
“These are our conditions because these are the conditions of the American people,” Johnson said.
The border talks have snagged up legislation in the Senate.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said a deal before Christmas was “practically impossible.”
The White House has warned that U.S. aid is running out, and failing to pass more funding will hinder Ukraine on the battlefield.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Russia believes “a military deadlock through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine.”
“It is more critical now than ever that we maintain our support for Ukraine,” Watson said in a declassified assessment.
Read the full coverage of Zelensky’s visit at TheHill.com.
