Ukraine leader Zelenskyy meets with Biden, Congress as some Republicans sour on support

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Thursday as the embattled leader seeks to shore up additional support for his war-torn country.

Biden was seeking a “battlefield perspective” from Zelenskyy in their meeting, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

Speaking in the Oval Office before the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked the U.S., saying the countries are “really truly allies.” He said he intended to talk about weapons systems with Biden, “with a special emphasis on air defense.”

“I am in Washington to strengthen Ukraine’s position to defend our children, our families, our homes, freedom and democracy in the world,” Zelenskyy said.

Biden called Ukraine a “partner” and said he was working with other G7 allies to formalize a commitment to the country’s long-term security.

“We’re supporting a just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Biden said.

Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week in New York.

During his own speech Tuesday at the U.N., Biden promised the U.S. would “continue to stand” with Ukraine as Russia’s invasion drags on.

But getting Congress to fulfill that promise with more aid is complicated.

The White House is seeking $24 billion in additional aid to Ukraine, which it hoped would be passed alongside a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown as federal budget negotiations continue.

The measure has bipartisan support in the Senate but has been held up in the House of Representatives, where some members, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have said they will not support any additional aid.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is in a difficult position on the issue of Ukraine due to a slim GOP…