- The Washington Times - Thursday, October 19, 2023

President Biden spoke Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just hours before his scheduled prime-time Oval Office address in which he’ll make the case for U.S. funding to support the war efforts in Israel and Ukraine.

The White House said the two leaders discussed America’s “continued commitment to supporting Ukraine,” which is locked in a brutal war with Russia.

“The president underscored the continued strong bipartisan support in the United States for Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic future,” the White House said of the call.

In a post on X, Mr. Zelesnkyy offered more details about their conversation.

“During our call, President Biden sent a strong message of US support for Ukraine — for as long as it takes to prevail,” he wrote. “I am grateful to Mr. President, both parties of the US Congress and the entire American people for their powerful assistance and leadership.”

“American leadership helps rally the world behind the common cause of protecting life and rules-based international order,” he posted.

The talk comes ahead of Mr. Biden’s Oval Office address Thursday night to rally Americans to support Ukraine and Israel, which is still reeling from the deadly terror attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7. 

Mr. Biden is teeing up a supplemental funding request to Congress to provide military aid to both Israel and Ukraine. He is reportedly seeking more than $100 billion in funding, which includes money for Taiwan and U.S. border security.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.

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