Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering US
US House Speaker Demands Ukraine Fire Ambassador Amid Escalating GOP-Zelensky Feud
The Speaker of the U.S. House, Mike Johnson, has called for Ukraine to dismiss its ambassador to Washington, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the Republican Party and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Johnson's demand follows Zelensky’s recent visit to an arms factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania the hometown of President Joe Biden alongside several prominent Democrats.
In a public letter, Johnson accused Zelensky’s visit of being politically motivated, claiming it was "designed to help Democrats" and amounted to "election interference." The accusation has further strained relations ahead of Zelensky’s crucial meeting with President Biden, where the Ukrainian leader is expected to unveil his “plan for victory” against Russia.
Zelensky’s visit to the U.S. is part of a broader effort to secure additional military and financial aid for Ukraine. Though the details of his “victory plan” remain confidential, it is anticipated to include appeals for increased support and future security commitments.
In response, President Biden announced a new $7.9 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which includes Patriot air defense systems and long-range munitions. The funding is part of a $61 billion package previously approved by Congress in April after months of delay caused by Republican opposition. To date, the U.S. has provided $56 billion in defense aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the latest round of assistance, emphasizing that it would be used "efficiently and transparently" to secure a "just and lasting peace" for Ukraine and ensure transatlantic security.
Meanwhile, Russia's missile and drone strikes have continued across Ukraine during Zelensky’s U.S. visit, with attacks reported in Sumy, Odesa, and Kyiv. In Odesa, a woman was killed, and several others were injured as air raid sirens blared throughout the night.
Zelensky’s U.S. tour also included plans to present his priorities to both presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. However, Trump’s campaign confirmed that the Republican candidate would not meet with the Ukrainian president.
Trump has consistently criticized Zelensky and Ukraine, often echoing pro-Russian sentiments. At a campaign event, Trump referred to Zelensky as the "greatest salesman on Earth" and accused him of avoiding peace talks with Moscow. Trump also praised Russia’s military prowess, referencing their victories over Hitler and Napoleon.
The Republican Party’s frustration with Zelensky reached new heights after his visit to Scranton, where he appeared alongside top Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Speaker Johnson condemned the visit, accusing Zelensky of participating in a "partisan campaign event" meant to boost Harris’s campaign.
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee has since launched an investigation into whether Zelensky’s trip was politically motivated to benefit Harris’s campaign, further intensifying the political battle surrounding Ukraine's ongoing war and U.S. foreign policy.
