BBC: Zelensky abruptly cancels US Senate briefing amid funding row
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called off a high-profile briefing with US lawmakers amid an impasse over future US funding for the country.
Virtual appearances in the Senate and House had been scheduled for Tuesday, but were cancelled at the last moment.
It came after a top Ukrainian official warned they are in danger of losing the war against Russia if more US military aid is not approved.
Senate leader Chuck Schumer did not explain why Mr Zelensky was a no-show. The chamber's top Democrat said the Ukrainian president was occupied with a "last-minute" matter, without providing further detail.
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WNU Editor: This was a meeting that he had to attend. That is why there is now a lot of speculation on why he cancelled at the last moment (see video below).
The US media narrative is that he cancelled because the Republicans were not going to bend on giving him tens of billions in aid until their priorities on the US-Mexico border are addressed. My Ukrainian contacts tell me a different story. They tell me that he has been facing a revolt from his top generals and field commanders on the direction of the war, and it has gotten worse in the past few days. He had to focus and spend time on handling that crisis, and not making a pitch to a bunch of US Senators who will help him as much as as they can. This Politico.eu post adds credence to these reports .... Ukraine’s tensions at the top spill into the open (Politico.eu).
Sighhh ....
I know there is a lot of despair in Ukraine right now. The overwhelming mood right now is of exhaustion and impending defeat. At least that is what I am hearing and sensing when I talk to my Ukrainian contacts, friends, and family members.
They are also telling me the same thing. If this US aid is not forthcoming, the front-lines in the eastern part of the conflict will be overwhelmed by the Russian military in the coming months. And while the Ukraine army will not collapse, they will have to abandon major territory to the Russians.
As to what is my take.
Absent a collapse of the Ukraine Army (which I do not see), a major loss of territory to the Russian military will be a devastating psychological blow to both Ukraine and its allies. In a war of attrition there is always a breaking point. It looks like Ukraine is about to face their "breaking point" sooner rather than later.
Zelensky Cancels US Senate Address On Ukraine Aid Package
Zelenskiy unable to attend Senate briefing on Ukraine aid; Schumer blames Republicans for impasse – as it happened -- The Guardian
Zelensky cancels Senate address as US lawmakers row over Ukraine funding -- France 24
Zelensky abruptly cancels US Senate address as aid for Ukraine war hits dead end -- The Independent
Zelensky cancels Congress briefing as Republicans walk out over Ukraine funding -- The Telegraph
Zelensky Abruptly Cancels Address To Senators, Lashes Out At Failure To Secure More Taxpayer Funds -- Zero Hedge
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