With Ukraine aid in peril, Zelensky pleads his case on Capitol Hill and at the White House

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used inspirational words, optimistic resolve and a nod to Christmas in appealing to leaders in Congress for U.S. aid for his fighters in the war with Russia

His country's future at stake, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used inspirational words, optimistic resolve and a nod to Christmas in appealing on December 12 to leaders in Congress for U.S. aid for his fighters in the war with Russia.

But after hours of talks on Capitol Hill, additional American support appeared in grave doubt as Mr. Zelensky arrived at the White House to huddle with President Joe Biden. The U.S. has already provided Ukraine $111 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his grinding invasion more than 21 months ago, but Republicans are insisting on linking any more money to strict U.S.-Mexico border security changes that Democrats decry.

The White House is warning that if new money isn't provided by year's end it will have swift consequences for Ukraine's capacity to hold its territory, let alone take back land captured by Russia.

Mr. Biden, speaking at an early evening news conference with Zelenskyy, warned that failure by the United States to provide Ukraine further aid would embolden Putin and other aggressors on the world stage.

“Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver on Ukraine," Mr. Biden said. “We must, we must, we must prove him wrong.”

Earlier meeting with Mr. Zelensky in the Oval Office, Mr. Biden called on Congress "to do the right thing, to stand with Ukraine, and to stand up for freedom.” He added, “Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess. before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him.”

Mr. Zelensky made his own case during his brief White House appearance with Mr. Biden and his private meetings with congressional leaders — that Ukrainian forces have fought fiercely to push back the Russian invasion with the help of American and other Western allies and it's no time for Ukraine's friends to step back.