Ukrainian President Zelenskyy requests increased financial assistance from the United States and extends an invitation to President Trump to witness the ongoing conflict firsthand.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has requested additional funding from the United States to combat Russian aggression. He has also extended an invitation to former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Kyiv and witness the extent of the conflict firsthand.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that without increased support from Washington, American troops may become involved in a larger European conflict with Russia.
During an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Zelenskyy stated that if Russia were to eliminate all of us, they would then target NATO nations and force us to send our children to fight.
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Republicans, approved a supplementary budget bill that allocates $14.3 billion in assistance to Israel. However, there was no provision for aid to Ukraine, which is in stark contrast to President Joe Biden’s request of $106 billion. The majority of the funds would be used to strengthen Ukraine’s defense, with the rest being divided among Israel, the Indo-Pacific region, and border security at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The House bill will not be voted on by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who is the majority leader of the Democratic-controlled Senate. President Biden has also promised to veto the bill if it were to reach his desk.
During the NBC interview, Zelenskyy extended an invitation to former Republican U.S. President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and witness the consequences of the conflict started by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022.
If reelected, Trump, the front-runner for his party’s nomination and up for reelection in 2024, has strongly criticized the United States’ backing of Kyiv and has claimed he could resolve the conflict within a day.
Zelenskyy stated that it would take approximately 24 minutes for him to inform President Trump that he is incapable of handling the war. He believes that peace cannot be achieved due to Putin’s involvement.
In April 2023, a Ukrainian armored vehicle attacked Russian positions near Avdiivka in the Donetsk region. According to Ukrainian soldiers who spoke to Reuters in November 2023, there has been an increase in Russian artillery activity in the area in recent weeks.
War front
Violent conflict is currently raging in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Ukrainian soldiers, who are deeply entrenched in the area, reported to Reuters that Russian artillery has greatly increased in intensity over the past few weeks.
The leader of the crew pointed to some recent craters and mentioned that he was unsure of their origin, as they seemed to be appearing out of nowhere. He requested to remain anonymous.
On Wednesday, the South Korean intelligence agency announced that North Korea had provided Russia with more than one million shells since August. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have refuted claims that weapons are being transported from North Korea to support Russia in their conflict with Ukraine, according to Reuters.
The Russian defense ministry announced on Sunday that the Imperator Alexander III, a new strategic nuclear submarine, has completed a successful test of a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile.
According to the defense ministry, the missile was launched from an underwater location in the White Sea near Russia’s northern coast. The missile, which is capable of carrying six nuclear warheads, successfully hit a target on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East, thousands of kilometers away. The Federation of American Scientists confirmed the missile’s capability.
The Ministry stated that the launch of a ballistic missile is the last requirement for state testing. Following this, a decision will be made to officially include the cruiser in the navy.
The submarine Imperator Alexander III falls under the Borei class and is equipped with 16 Bulava missiles. Each missile measures 12 meters (40 feet) and has a maximum range of approximately 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
According to Russian media, the current plans are to construct 10-12 Borei-class submarines, which will be split between the Northern and Pacific fleets.
On November 4, 2023, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, hold a joint press conference in Kyiv.
EU-Ukraine
On Saturday, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, traveled to Kyiv and had a meeting with Zelenskyy.
The EU is anticipated to declare this week regarding Ukraine’s advancement in completing the required procedures for commencing negotiations for EU membership, scheduled for December.
After meeting with Zelenskyy, von der Leyen praised their impressive progress. She acknowledged the challenging task of simultaneously fighting an existential war and implementing significant reforms in the country. It is important to recognize this determination and dedication.
According to his daily speech on Saturday, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has made significant progress, overcoming doubts and a full-scale war, to become a candidate country for the European Union. This was achieved at a remarkable speed and after meeting all necessary requirements for beginning negotiations.
Shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February of last year, Ukraine submitted an application to join the EU.
At a press conference held with von der Leyen, Zelenskyy refuted claims that the war had reached a standstill and expressed the need for increased support from allies to bolster their air defense as the conflict enters its 21st month.
This story includes information from The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
Source: voanews.com
