Expected before Congress, Zelensky increases the pressure on Joe Biden

1^is September 2021, in general indifference, Volodymyr Zelensky made an official visit to the White House. America then concluded its chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan, accompanied by questions about its priorities and its power. For the Ukrainian president, being received by Joe Biden was a diplomatic success with a bitter taste, a mark of attention long overdue. Six months later, everything has changed. The leader, who was to address the elected members of the American Congress by video link on Wednesday, March 16, has become the fatigued, courageous and charismatic embodiment of Ukrainian resistance to the Russian army. Volodymyr Zelensky also recalls the discomfort, even the bad conscience of the West, which delegates entirely to the Ukrainians the fight against war crimes in European space and the trampling on of the values ​​which it claims to embody.

This is how the delicate position of Joe Biden is reflected, whose administration has nevertheless provided support to Ukraine, in particular 1.2 billion dollars (1.09 billion euros) in one year on the plan safe. On the one hand, the intervention of Volodymyr Zelensky appears useful. It must serve to maintain emotion and support for the Ukrainian cause in the United States, beyond partisan lines. It is also part of the White House’s pedagogy on the indirect cost of sanctions against Russia, for American consumers. With an obvious exaggeration, Washington incriminates Vladimir Putin for the unprecedented inflation for forty years (7.9% over twelve months). By insisting on exogenous causes, the Democratic administration is seeking to limit the damage anticipated during the mid-term elections in November.

Avoid direct confrontation

But the American president is also under pressure from Congress, where a bipartisan mobilization is emerging in favor of more massive military aid. In addition, elected officials will vote to withdraw Russia’s status as a privileged trading partner, in order to dry up certain imports. It’s with “great respect and admiration” that Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, announced in a joint letter the invitation extended to the Ukrainian President. “Congress’s commitment remains unwavering in support of Ukraine, says the text, as she faces the diabolical and cruel aggression of Putin. »

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