Zelensky phones Mike Johnson urging 'quick passage' of stalled $60 billion ... trends now
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Speaker Mike Johnson to update him on the ongoing war against Russia Thursday as Congress mulls a massive foreign aid package for the embattled nation.
The call between the two leaders comes as Republicans have not committed to putting a much-needed $60 billion aid bill on the floor due to internal turmoil.
'I briefed Speaker Johnson on the battlefield situation, specifically the dramatic increase in Russia's air terror,' Zelensky said about the call on a post to X.
The Ukrainian president said that Russia had recently launched a bombardment of over 1,000 airstrikes into his country.
'Last week alone, 190 missiles, 140 'Shahed' drones, and 700 guided aerial bombs were launched at Ukrainian cities and communities,' he wrote.
'In this situation, quick passage of US aid to Ukraine by Congress is vital,' Zelensky continued.
'We recognize that there are differing views in the House of Representatives on how to proceed, but the key is to keep the issue of aid to Ukraine as a unifying factor.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Speaker Mike Johnson in the Capitol in December to discuss the country's ongoing war against Russia. On Thursday they spoke again by phone as Congress has stalled on a $60 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine
Zelensky posted on X that Ukraine has endured over 1,000 Russian airstrikes since last week
Zelensky has said American aid is critical to the country's ongoing war against Russia
The president's plea for assistance comes as Congress has hit a roadblock on how to move forward with funding for Ukraine.
Last month, the Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid package that included $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel and almost $5 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan.
But after the upper chamber stripped out provisions in the bill meant for border security, Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill would be
