President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine will meet with President Biden at the White House on Wednesday and later deliver a prime-time address to a joint session of Congress, a daring trip abroad intended to reaffirm American support for his country, White House officials announced late Tuesday night.
(The New York Times, December 21, 2022)
Ukraine is defending itself against Russia’s genocidal onslaught. And I have written many posts supporting Ukraine as much as any non-Ukrainian can. But I do not see Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the second coming of Winston Churchill. And that makes me an iconoclast among those supporting Ukraine.
Zelensky Comes to Washington
Mere weeks into this war, Zelensky gave me cause to doubt his leadership. I shared my doubts in a blog post. As it happens, I telegraphed this Zelensky visit in that same post.
Not long after that, I distilled my misgivings in another post. Suffice it to know that I decried Zelensky as more wannabe Napoleon than Churchill. In short, Zelensky might be emulating Churchill by traveling to Washington. But this visit is long overdue.
Pro-Russia members of Congress
Even so, Zelensky should beware. After all, his Congressional audience won’t be nearly as rapt as Churchill’s was during WWII.
Yes, many “America First” pro-Germany members listened when Churchill delivered his address to Congress. And Rachel Maddow chronicles their un-American activities in thrilling fashion in her podcast series, Ultra.
But those pro-Germany members of Congress were discreet and respectful. They did not heckle Churchill. Pro-Russia members today are neither discreet nor respectful. Indeed, many might be lying in wait to heckle Zelensky. Perversely, they would consider that the crowning achievement of their careers.
Will his visit be worth it?
Absolutely!
Here is what I wrote in the Quora post “What Should Congress Try to Pass in This Lame Duck Session” on November 14:
Democrats should append funding for Ukraine to funding for the DOJ Jan. 6 investigation. They should request enough to get Ukraine through the next two years of fighting and rebuilding. And they should balance their request against Republican demands to extend tax breaks for the rich and hurricane relief money for the red state of Florida.
Funding Ukraine like this would help Russia see the futility of continuing this war. It would also deprive Republicans of Trumpian machinations to undermine Biden’s leadership. That is, given his declared intent to defend democracies on the frontlines in Ukraine.
That’s why Zelensky’s visit is so timely. The Senate will pass an Omnibus Bill today that includes $45 billion in aid for Ukraine.
Besides securing funding, Zelensky will undoubtedly be begging for weapons. And long-range missiles and fighter jets will be at the top of his list. Of course, Biden has refused from day one to send those weapons.
But his concerns about incurring Putin’s wrath are patently absurd.
Again, iPINIONS published a post explaining how Zelensky can disarm Biden in this respect. Zelensky would do well to take heed.
Welcome to Washington, Mr. Zelensky. And Slava Ukraini!
Legacy Note: With over 5,600 posts spanning 20 years, I am easily the most prolific blogger on the most eclectic array of topics on the web. That makes The iPINIONS Journal an unparalleled archive of informed political and cultural commentary. Visit the ARCHIVES section in the sidebar or search by topic. You won’t find a more consistent, independent voice on world affairs.