"If you can't give us some financial support, okay," he said. "Please, give us a loan and we will pay you back after the war."
During this interview Zelensky was quick to emphasize the urgency of the situation for his country, claiming that, since the beginning of Russia's special military operation in late February 2022, the Ukrainian economy has been grappling with a series of challenges. (Related: Ukraine suddenly discovers money to manufacture its own weapons as U.S. funding dries up.)
These supposed challenges include inflationary pressures, the devaluation of the Ukrainian hryvnia and the ongoing blowback to Ukrainian economic activity caused by the conflict with Russia and pro-Russian separatist governments in eastern Ukraine.
Furthermore, Zelensky highlighted his country's commitment to being fiscally responsible and assured the West of Ukraine's determination to honor any debts it incurs throughout the conflict. He emphasized his desire to create a reasonable repayment strategy as a sign of the nation's integrity and commitment to financial accountability.
Ukraine has already received hundreds of billions of dollars from the West
Since the beginning of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, the United States has given Zelensky and Kyiv over $100 billion in American taxpayer-funded aid, including around $75 billion in military aid, with the rest going to humanitarian and financial aid, including funding that goes to support the functions of the Ukrainian government, including salaries for government employees.
Now, President Joe Biden is asking Congress for an additional $61.4 billion for Ukraine within a $100 billion foreign aid package that will also go toward providing Israel with more funds and toward supporting border security.
In her interview with Zelensky, Meet The Press host Kristel Welker pointed out to the Ukrainian president that there is "growing skepticism about ongoing support for Ukraine, particularly among Republicans," noting that many GOP lawmakers in Congress "don't want to send another dollar to Ukraine."
Zelensky retorted by claiming that he believes Ukraine is the bulwark "defending both the European Union and the European continent," and then invited skeptics to visit his country, praising Biden's previous visit as necessary to shoring support for Kyiv.
Zelensky's appeal for more foreign aid comes at a crucial juncture, as Kyiv seeks to navigate through a geopolitical landscape made more complex by the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Gaza, while simultaneously the country attempts to address the many internal economic challenges Ukraine faces.
This also comes as the Armed Forces of Ukraine remains unable to make significant breakthroughs against Russian lines despite the launching of a counteroffensive in June.
"Our military are coming up with different plans, with different operations in order to move forward faster and to strike the Russian Federation unexpectedly," said Zelensky.
Learn more about Zelensky and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia at UkraineWitness.com.
Watch this clip from Zelensky's MSNBC interview featuring him begging the West for more money – as well as attempting to entice former President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine.
This video is from the channel The Resistance 1776 on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
SPOILED BRAT: Zelensky sulks as Israel conflict takes away attention from Ukraine.
PROFESSIONAL TRAITOR: Zelensky's leadership branded as a criminal dictatorship of Nazism.
Biden considering asking Congress for $100 BILLION in additional funds for Ukraine.
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