Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris arrive at a press convention on the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP through Getty Images

cover caption

toggle caption

Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP through Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris arrive at a press convention on the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP through Getty Images

MUNICH — Vice President Harris stated on Saturday that there was no backup plan for giving Ukraine weapons and funding if a bundle of assist fails to advance within the U.S. House of Representatives.

“There’s only Plan A, which is to ensure that Ukraine receives what it needs,” Harris stated after assembly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the annual Munich Security Conference, the place the stalled Ukraine assist has fueled European issues about whether or not they can depend on the United States as a companion.

Harris was on the convention to attempt to reassure allies. “We are unwavering and that has nothing to do with an election cycle — it has to do with who we are and what kind of country we want to be — one that stands with our friends,” she stated.

It’s unclear if or when the help will advance within the House

Congress permitted greater than $112 billion for assist to Ukraine in 2022. In October, President Biden requested for about $60 billion extra as a part of a broad nationwide safety bundle. The Senate approved the request earlier this month.

But in Washington, it’s unclear if or when the aid will advance within the House of Representatives. Former President Donald Trump, who’s the frontrunner to turn into the Republican nominee for this yr’s presidential election, opposes the bundle, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has been noncommittal about bringing it ahead for a vote.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the “electoral, internal, political” challenges contained in the United States, however stated there was “no alternative” for Ukraine to having Washington as its companion.

He stated a lot relies on “this single voting procedure” in Congress, and described how U.S.-supplied Patriot missiles had been permitting his nation’s financial system to maintain functioning.

“We are counting on this positive decision of the Congress,” he stated. “For us, this package is vital.”