After a whirlwind day in Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined President Joe Biden in a press conference, emphasizing the critical nature of Ukraine’s situation as a substantial military aid package faces obstacles in Congress, with Republicans seeking significant changes to border policy.

Following their Oval Office meeting, the two leaders addressed reporters, outlining their vision for Ukraine’s future and the role the U.S. should play in thwarting Russia’s invasion of the Eastern European nation.

With a sense of urgency, Biden highlighted, “[Vladimir] Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine. We must disprove him. The United States Congress must act.”

Addressing Zelenskyy directly, Biden assured, “Mr. President, I will not walk away from Ukraine, and neither will the American people.” The joint press conference reflected the shared commitment to supporting Ukraine and countering external threats.

Expressing gratitude for U.S. support, Zelenskyy emphasized the potential to “strengthen democracy’s arsenal” through collaboration between the two nations.

However, despite Zelenskyy’s visit, it seems Congress is poised to enter its winter holiday recess without a resolution on the Biden-backed supplemental aid package, encompassing billions for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and border enforcement.

A legislative standoff ensues as Republicans insist on substantial changes to border security and immigration policy, with the specifics of their demands remaining publicly unclear.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a fervent advocate for ongoing Ukraine aid, expressed pessimism about breaking the impasse before the holiday recess. He acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It is practically impossible” to secure approval for the funding package before Christmas, even if an agreement is reached promptly.

While stressing the importance of addressing border security, McConnell asserted, “When it comes to keeping America safe, border security is not a side show — it is ground zero.” The ongoing debate underscores the complexities surrounding the aid package and the broader issues at play in Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson reinforced the priority of national security in any supplemental spending package, emphasizing the critical role the border plays in the nation’s security. He labeled the situation at the border an “absolute catastrophe.”

Republicans are intensifying their calls for increased White House involvement in negotiations. In response, President Biden accused Republicans of holding crucial aid hostage, cautioning against aligning with Russian propagandists.

Biden assured that his team is actively collaborating with Senate Democrats and Republicans to find a “bipartisan compromise” on border policy. Recognizing the need to address the broken immigration system domestically, he underscored the importance of compromise in democratic processes.

Expressing his readiness for compromise, Biden stated, “Compromise is how democracy works, and I’m ready and offered compromise already.” Criticizing the attempt to tie Ukraine’s funding to an extreme Republican partisan agenda on the border, he emphasized that such tactics are not conducive to the functioning of democracy.

During his meetings on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the positive signals he received but emphasized the need to “separate” words and concrete results. While acknowledging the supportive gestures, he underscored the importance of tangible outcomes.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized House Republicans for planning to leave town for recess, questioning their response to what they deem emergencies at the border and in Ukraine. Schumer argued that leaving for three weeks in such circumstances is not appropriate.

In agreement with Schumer’s stance, some Senate Republicans argued for staying in town until a viable agreement is reached. North Carolina’s Thom Tillis stressed the importance of negotiating in real time, deeming it irresponsible to walk away without making progress for two or three weeks. The discussions reflect the urgency and differing perspectives surrounding the aid package and related issues.