Ukraine consolidates support in US Congress ahead of vote on aid: Premier

WASHINGTON

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said he consolidated support in the US Congress ahead of aid package voting.

"Ahead of the voting for the US aid package for Ukraine, we are consolidating support in Congress.

"We received assurances of unwavering support," Shmyhal said on Thursday after meeting with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The House of Representatives is expected to have its long-awaited vote for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific on Saturday. If passed, the bills will be sent to the Senate. President Joe Biden pledged to sign the bills immediately upon approval.

Shmyhal also met with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in Washington.

"Bipartisan support from Congress is extremely important for Ukraine. We talked about our country's need for weapons and funding. We expect the Ukraine aid package bill to be voted on as soon as possible," the prime minister said on X.

Shmyhal also met with Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the Democrats in the US House of Representatives, with whom he exchanged views on military assistance to Ukraine, budget support, and the confiscation of Russian assets.

"We are sincerely grateful for $22.9 billion of direct financial support. And especially for more than $45 billion in military aid. We expect the strong support of the United States to continue in the future," Shmyhal added.

The US voices strong support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, and the Biden administration pushes for the passage of the supplemental aid package as soon as possible.