Speaker Kevin McCarthy publicly displayed a reserved stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Washington on Thursday, declining the wartime leader’s request to speak before Congress. However, this situation isn’t entirely straightforward.

McCarthy’s allies insist that he remains committed to providing military support to Ukraine, despite increasing doubt within his caucus.

Zelensky affirmed that the speaker conveyed a similar message during their private meeting on Thursday.

Zelensky’s visit underscored the delicate balancing act that McCarthy must navigate concerning Ukraine, particularly amidst a broader budgetary dispute that has laid bare the profound divisions within his narrow congressional majority, The Hill reported.

Bill Monahan, Senior Director for Policy at Foreign Policy for America, noted that McCarthy is treading a “thin line” between backing Ukraine and placating a growing faction of House Republicans disenchanted with the conflict.

Monahan contended that if McCarthy continues to sideline the Ukraine issue, it could bolster the influence of skeptical House Republicans.

During his visit to Capitol Hill on Thursday, Zelensky addressed the majority of the Senate, while his meetings in the House were limited to a bipartisan group of senior leaders.

McCarthy declined the opportunity for Zelensky to deliver a joint address to Congress, citing time constraints, thereby preventing the Ukrainian leader from making an appeal to persuade House critics to approve additional aid.

Nonetheless, McCarthy’s meeting with Zelensky seems to have been constructive.

Both individuals posed for photographs, and Zelensky himself acknowledged that McCarthy expressed support for future assistance to Ukraine.

Written by staff