Vice President Harris insisted that the United States government’s commitment to Ukraine was rock solid, even as support for the embattled nation in Congress faces headwinds.
“When we talk about the role of America, as it relates to our support for Ukraine, we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games,” Harris said during the Munich Security Conference Saturday. “Political gamesmanship has no role to play in what is fundamentally about the significance of standing with an ally as it endures an unprovoked aggression.”
Harris made her remarks during a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky following a private meeting with the Ukrainian president.
They faced the press shortly after news broke that Ukraine had withdrawn its troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka, long the scene of intense and bloody fighting.
“This war has been an utter failure for Putin,” Harris said of the conflict that will enter its third year this week. “President Zelensky, the stakes of your fight remain high for your country and for the entire world, and it is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue our support.”
“President Biden and I will continue to work to secure the resources and weapons that you need to succeed,” she continued. “We will also continue to support your efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.”
The close embrace comes as Republicans in Congress become increasingly reluctant to rubber-stamp additional U.S. funding for the Ukrainian war effort.
A $95.3 billion aid package to Ukraine and Israel that would send both nations badly needed arms and hardware passed the Senate Tuesday but remains mired in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.
“We are counting on this positive decision of the Congress. For us. This package is vital,” Zelensky said, adding there was no “Plan B” should the U.S. not deliver. “We do not currently look into alternatives, because we’re counting on the United States.”
Harris also again referred to the death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who died Friday in a Russian prison.
President Biden and leaders around the world condemned Russian president Vladimir Putin as responsible.
“Alexei Navalny has been a brave leader who stood up against corruption and autocracy. And he stood up for the truth. The reports of his death are further proof of Putin’s brutality,” Harris said. “It reminds us why our support for Ukraine is so important.”