US national security advisor pays surprise visit to Ukraine amid halt to military aid

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has paid an unannounced visit to Ukraine, the White House announced Wednesday amid an ongoing impasse with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives over sending Kyiv's forces more military assistance.

During his meetings with senior Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Sullivan "stressed the urgent need for the US House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental to meet Ukraine’s critical battlefield needs," National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

"Sullivan discussed ongoing efforts with allies and partners to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and mitigate the economic impacts of Russia’s war on Ukraine and around the world, and progress on anti-corruption and other key reforms needed to further Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration," added Watson.

US President Joe Biden has urged House Republicans for months to take up a $95.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, with $60.06 billion earmarked for Kyiv.

The measure passed the Senate with overwhelming support in February after a hardline group of Republicans failed to block it. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet brought it to the floor in his chamber, however, amid stalwart opposition among his right flank.