Ukraine’s Zelensky more positive on US financial aid than in December

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan 12 he was more positive now than he was in December that his country will secure new financial aid from the United States.

But there was no indication in Washington that Congressional approval for an aid package proposed by the White House would be forthcoming anytime soon.

"I am viewing this with more positivity than in December, I think we will (get it)," Mr Zelensky told a news conference in Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky later referred again to the need for Congressional approval to meet the needs of Ukraine's war against Russia, saying the issue had been discussed with the visiting US representative for Ukraine’s economic recovery, Ms Penny Pritzker.

"We discussed in detail the steps needed for financial stability," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

"We eagerly await the decisions of the Congress regarding further support for Ukraine - support that is not only significant for us, but also for every state whose stability depends on the strength of international law."

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Jan 11 that US assistance for Ukraine had stopped, as negotiations continued over an aid package that could be tied to an overhaul of border security measures.

US President Joe Biden's request for more military aid for Ukraine has been stalled in the Congress for months, as opposition Republicans have refused to consider any legislation unless it is tied to the immigration issue.

There has been no indication that the Senate or House of Representatives will vote on assistance for Kyiv any time soon, despite weeks of talks trying to break the impasse.

Mr Zelensky visited Washington in December

with the hope of persuading Congress to proceed quickly with approval, but came away with no such commitment. REUTERS