Ukraine President Zelensky gripped and grinned his way across Washington DC today. All in a bid, successful I might add, to get Biden and Congress to show him the money.

Wednesday’s visit to Washington is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first public appearance outside his country since Russia invaded 300 days ago, on Feb. 24. While rallying his nation from within Ukraine’s borders, he’s spoken to foreign leaders via videocalls, including the U.S. Congress, which he addressed on March 16.

And show him the money they did, starting with an Oval Office meeting with Biden.

Zelensky told Biden he had wanted to visit the United States earlier and expressed “all my appreciations from my heart and from the heart of all Ukrainians” to Biden, the U.S. Congress and “ordinary people” in the United States for their support.

Zelensky also awarded Biden a medal from a Ukrainian soldier who had asked Zelensky to give it to “a very brave president.”

As he received the medal, Biden said it was “undeserved, but much appreciated.” He then asked Zelensky if there was a way to contact the soldier later, so he could give the soldier a command coin.

That little phrase “ordinary people” struck me as off-putting and a little condescending. 

We already know, as Deanna reported here, there’s well over $40 million slated for Ukraine in the trillion zillion dollar omnibus bill that no one has had time to read thoroughly. But of course, that money along with Patriot systems isn’t enough.

‘We’re gonna continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend yourself, particularly air defense, and that’s why we’re going to be providing Ukraine with Patriot missile battery,’ he noted.

Zelensky has long sought the Patriot missile defense system, which would help his military fend off Russian attacks that have destroyed much of its infrastructure.

It is widely considered one of the best and most capable systems when it comes to defending airspace against incoming attacks. Because of its long range, it can potentially shoot down Russian missiles far from their intended targets inside Ukraine.

It is a complicated system, however, that requires dozens of people to operate and usually takes months to train personnel on how to use. U.S. officials will train Ukrainian service members in Germany, according to reports.

We’ve already sent well over $100 million to Ukraine with zero checks and balances in place to track HOW the money is being utilized. 

Hence Zelensky’s address to a joint session of Congress. In person this time! Awesomesauce! Seriously, Nancy Pelosi is fan girling over Zelensky and calling him the second coming of Winston Churchill. Which he isn’t on any level. 

Of course, Putin isn’t pleased with Zelensky’s DC visit. Then again, Putin’s been in a bad mood ever since his invasion of Ukraine in February has hit continual roadblocks. This time around, he is threatening yet again to ‘do something’ if Zelensky continues to resist his invasion. 

This is a good question. 

Why is Ukraine funding buried in the bill that averts a shutdown of our own government?

Why was previous Ukraine funding linked to hurricane disaster relief for Florida?

Why is Zelensky speaking to Congress tonight?

Because Americans are growing very weary of funding this war.

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 21, 2022

And funding it without any oversight. Zelensky waltzes into DC demanding that Biden and Congress show him the money. How come no one is demanding that HE provide the receipts of where it is spent? Furthermore, what will it take for Russia and Ukraine to stop fighting each other? An endless stream of money? Letting Putin win? Having Putin back down (which many do want to have happen), or …what? No one seems to know. 

The goal seems to be sure NOT to know how or when the unauthorized proxy war will end. https://t.co/hiwjdRnNYU

— Mollie (@MZHemingway) December 21, 2022

Well, according to Zelensky himself, the war will only end when A. The Russian people figure out how to kick the Kremlin to the curb, and B. If the US/Nato/EU and others do more than just funnel the money into Ukraine. Watch his entire speech. 

The using Christmas by candlelight and tugging at the heartstrings was a nice touch. Yes, I’m cynical about this. Money has been shoveled at Ukraine and still they ask for more. Is war won in a day? When Ukraine starts from behind regarding resources, no. Yet NOW Ukraine has the resources and they are getting the training to utilize those very expensive resources. I will grant that he is correct on this point:

“Iranian deadly drones, sent Russia hundreds, began a threat to our critical infrastructure, that is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time when they will strike against your other allies, if we do not stop them now – we must do it,” Zelensky said.

“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.

Iran’s involvement IS hugely concerning. And no, the gravy train of our tax dollars can’t continue without some strict oversight. That said, Putin is unstable and his being in bed with Iran sends big flags into the air. Somehow, someway, this war and our involvement in it needs to stop. Otherwise there will be mission creep and suddenly it will be 20 years later just as it was with Afghanistan. 

Show me the money said Zelensky. I say, SHOW US THE RESULTS. 

Feature Photo Credit: Original Artwork by Victory Girls Darleen Click