Praise Washington's Support, President Zelensky: The United States Shares Our Values Together

JAKARTA - President Joe Biden stood with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Wednesday, urging Americans and the world to continue to support Kyiv in 2023, when Congress' approval for aid would be more difficult.

The United States has so far shipped aid of about $50 billion to Kyiv, as Europe's biggest conflict since the Second World War protracted, killing tens of thousands of people, expelling millions of people from their homes and destroying cities into ruins.

However, some Republicans who will take control of the House of Representatives on January 3, have expressed concern about the price tag, and European countries are suffering from energy concerns and the global economic blow.

"Towards the New Year, it is important for the American people, and for the world, to hear directly from you, Mr. President (Zelensky), about Ukraine's struggles and the need to continue to stand together until 2023," President Biden told a news conference.

Neither NATO nor the European Union (which also disbursed aid for Kyiv) is more united about Ukraine, he added.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky praised Washington's support, believing it would not change despite changes to the political map.

"The United States will defend our common values, the values of freedom," said President Zelensky, who wore his signature olive green pants and flagship.

"I believe that despite changes in Congressional composition, bi-candidate and bipartisan support will be maintained," he assured.

President Zelensky, who will seek more support during the trip, will address a joint session of the US Senate and House of Representatives, meeting with Democratic and Republican leaders there.

It is known that several hardline Republicans are pressing to end aid for Ukraine, instead calling for audits to track how previously allocated money has been spent.

President Zelensky has repeatedly asked the West to supply more sophisticated weaponry, ranging from modern combat tanks to missile defense systems. However, Western allies are cautious, wanting to minimize the risk of provoking wider conflict with Russia.