Zelenskyy’s US visit draws criticism from Russia

• Russia has criticized Ukraine’s president for visiting Washington.
• US ambassador to Russia warned “provocative acts” might escalate tensions.
• Russian commentators accused the US of “pumping Ukraine full of weapons”.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s travel to Washington, D.C., has drawn harsh criticism from Russia, which accuses the US of waging an unofficial war against it.

In order to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression, President Joe Biden has promised $1.85 billion (£1.45 billion) in military assistance.

Mr. Zelenskyy thanked the help in a forceful speech to US Congress.

However, the US ambassador to Russia warned that these “provocative moves” would trigger a dangerous escalation.

Russian state media quoted Anatoly Antonov as saying that while Moscow was “trying to appeal to common sense at all levels,” talk of sending the Patriot missile system to Kiev was “very unsettling.”

The powerful, efficient, and pricey Patriot missiles are all three. In response to “Russia’s savage strikes on Ukraine’s essential infrastructure,” the White House said it would assist in defending Ukrainians.

Moscow has expressed displeasure that President Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington did not elicit any calls for peace, and its spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has cited this as evidence that the US is engaged in a proxy conflict with Russia.

Delivering Patriot missiles wouldn’t stop Russia from “reaching its goals during the special military operation,” Mr. Peskov continued.

“The talks in Washington have shown that neither Ukraine nor the United States is seeking peace. They are simply intent on continuing the fighting,” said Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

Russian commentators have echoed this – repeatedly accusing the US of “pumping Ukraine full of weapons”.

The Ukrainian president was made fun of in certain Moscow-based media stories; Channel One on state TV likened him to a stripper pleading for money. He was compared to a toilet brush on Wednesday.

On his first international trip since the invasion began, Mr. Zelenskyy assured Congress that his nation was “alive and kicking” and would never submit to Moscow.

In addition to the $1.85 billion plan that has already been revealed, the Senate is currently considering a further $45 billion in US humanitarian aid.

In order to “help us protect our ideals and independence,” Mr. Zelenskyy expressed the hope that this additional financing would be approved.

However, there are indications that political scrutiny of US support may increase. Support among Republicans for ongoing help has been dwindling.

Just over half of Republican voters backed aid to Ukraine in a study taken in November, down from 80% in March.

The party, which will take over the House of Representatives in January, has issued a warning that it will not issue Ukraine a “blank check.”

However, President Biden promised to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

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