In Washington, Zelensky seeks to rally support for grueling war with Russia

But Zelensky, who has found his closest ally in Biden, faced a far greater challenge on Capitol Hill, where a growing number of House Republicans — who are poised to take control of the chamber in January — have expressed skepticism or outright opposition to continuing to send more aid to Ukraine. Zelensky’s visit also came as U.S. public support for sending expansive amounts of aid to Ukraine has softened significantly over the past several months amid rising economic anxieties.

Still, Zelensky — who donned his signature military green sweater and heavy boots — received several standing ovations from the hundreds of lawmakers gathered Wednesday, at times almost moving him to tears. But he told Congress he needs more aid and weapons to defeat Russia, and sought to convince lawmakers that they were not doing Ukraine a favor — that the United States and other countries had just as much of a stake in the war as Ukraine does.

“We have artillery, yes, thank you. … Is it enough? Honestly, not really,” Zelensky said. He continued: “Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”

He added: “This battle cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored hoping that the ocean or something else will provide protection.” Putting the focus squarely on U.S. support, he continued: “So much depends on the world. So much in the world depends on you.”

After the speech, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said: “My position has never changed. I support Ukraine but I never supported a blank check. We want to make sure there’s accountability for everybody, the money that is spent.” His comments reflected a growing consensus among House Republicans who have demanded more oversight of how allotted funds are used.

On the whole, lawmakers in attendance were spirited by Zelensky’s appearance, giving him 18 standing ovations throughout his speech. Republicans and Democrats often cheered as they clapped, while Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) unfurled the Ukrainian flag and held it up with the help of her Democratic colleagues to visibly show Zelensky the support that exists for his country.

But a small group of House Republicans critical of the ongoing funding to Ukraine, including Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Matt Gaetz of Florida, did not clap for Zelensky when he walked onto the House floor and rarely stood throughout his speech. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), the top critics of funding the war, did not attend.

“I attended out of respect, not agreement,” Gaetz told reporters after the speech.

Earlier in the day, Biden vowed to support Ukraine “as long as it takes” as the two leaders spoke about Russian President Vladimir Putin sharply — signaling that an end to the fighting is nowhere in sight. Zelensky called Putin and Russian forces “terrorists,” while Biden called the Russian leader “inhumane” and said Putin had made clear he had “no intention of stopping this cruel war.”

Congress is poised to pass $45 billion in new spending for Ukraine this week in an end-of-year spending package. Yet several House Republicans criticized the aid package Wednesday or Zelensky’s visit directly.

Republican Chip Roy of Texas called the Ukrainian president’s address to Congress “political theater.”

“This is more of the theater that is being orchestrated by the current outgoing Democratic House leadership and Senate leadership,” he told reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

The visit, which was planned with great secrecy, came at a key inflection point, with Zelensky’s army bracing for a brutal winter of fighting and the future of U.S. support for his efforts headed into a period of greater uncertainty. Against that backdrop, both leaders set out to renew their pitch for support of Ukraine’s military efforts.

During a joint news conference after meeting privately at the White House, Biden argued that the stakes of the war extend well beyond Ukraine’s borders.

“We understand in our bones that Ukraine’s fight is part of something much bigger,” Biden said. “The American people know if we stand by with such blatant attacks on democracy and liberty … the world would surely face worse consequences.”

Zelensky similarly cast Ukraine’s fight as a broader one that was important for democracies around the world.

“I wish you to see your children alive and adults,” he said during the news conference with Biden, speaking in English, as he reminded people of the number of parents who had lost their sons and daughters during the war. He added, “The main thing what I can wish you, and of course, to be together with us generally because we really fight for our common victory against this tyranny.”

The Biden administration announced a $1.85 billion military assistance package for Ukraine on Wednesday, which includes the Patriot missile system, a sophisticated air-defense weapon that Zelensky’s government has long coveted. The money is separate from congressional packages.

Biden and Zelensky displayed warmth and comfort around each other Wednesday, embracing upon Zelensky’s arrival and presenting each other with gifts and gestures. Biden also at times spoke in emotional terms about the need to support Ukraine and the horrors Zelensky and his people have endured at the hands of Putin.

The unity stood in contrast to the more mixed opinions about Ukraine aid on Capitol Hill, where there are fears that House Republicans could pull back support when they take control in January and a new political dynamic takes shape. Some members aligned closely with former president Donald Trump, who is seeking the presidency again, have expressed skepticism or outright opposition to continuing to support an overseas war.

Yet many other Republicans have taken a different tack and have voiced strong support for continuing to back Ukraine with aid and weaponry. “The Ukrainian people are courageous and innocent and they deserve our help,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in a speech Wednesday on the Senate floor.

Maintaining domestic and global support for Ukraine as the war drags on far longer than initially anticipated has become a central mission of Biden’s presidency and is a microcosm of his broader foreign and domestic policy framework. He often talks of a global battle between democracy and autocracy and has highlighted similar themes as he has campaigned for fellow Democrats against Republicans at home and laid the groundwork for a reelection bid.

“It’s fully appropriate that Zelensky’s first trip outside his country would be to Washington,” said Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, a geopolitical consulting firm. “By far [Biden’s] most successful foreign policy has been leading the coalition in response to the Russian invasion.”

Biden struck an easy dynamic in his public appearances with Zelensky. The Ukrainian president arrived for a red-carpet welcome ceremony at the White House, where he was greeted by Biden and first lady Jill Biden. The president, wearing a blue and yellow tie — the colors of Ukraine’s flag — shook hands with Zelensky before all three posed for photos.

Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky said he wanted to express his “strong appreciation” for the United States’ support and for Biden’s leadership.

“Thanks from our ordinary people to your ordinary people, Americans,” Zelensky said.

Biden said Putin was “escalating his assault on civilians” and trying to “use winter as a weapon” before remarking on Zelensky’s status as Time magazine’s Person of the Year.

“You are man of the year,” Biden told Zelensky.

Zelensky also presented Biden with a Ukrainian military medal that earlier in the year was awarded to a Ukrainian officer for “outstanding feats on the battlefield,” according to the White House.

The officer met with Zelensky when he made an unexpected visit Tuesday to Bakhmut,…