President Zelensky’s Influence on US Assistance to Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky played a key role in persuading the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, to extend assistance to Ukraine, as reported by Politico.
The meeting between Zelensky and Johnson, held in December, convinced the Speaker of the importance of supporting Ukraine. Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine could sustain itself without assistance until March-April, after which there would be no more need for weapons.
After Zelensky’s visit, Johnson instructed his assistant on national security, John Hodges, to prepare a bill by the agreed deadline. Hodges, a strong supporter of Ukraine in Johnson’s office, took immediate action to ensure assistance for Ukraine.
Politico notes that these developments significantly shifted Johnson’s stance, as he previously had a more stringent approach towards supporting Ukraine.
