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Mr. Zelensky Goes to Washington

The Ukrainian leader returns to pitch Congress just as the political mood turns chilly, and a near-universal supposition takes hold that voters are “getting tired” of aiding his defense. Supporters and allies say they need a plan to change the narrative… But maybe this isn’t it.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 19: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addresses world leaders during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on September 19, 2023 in New York City. Dignitaries and their delegations from across the globe have descended on New York for the annual event. This year marks the 78th session of the General Debate at the UN Headquarters and will focus on the crisis of global warming. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The conventional wisdom in Washington is that Americans are growing weary of spending more and more money on what is, essentially, Ukraine’s war of independence, but the polling paints a more complex picture. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Julia Ioffe
September 20, 2023

After delivering an impassioned speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky heads to Washington this week, just as the city ties itself in knots ahead of an increasingly likely government shutdown. During his last visit, in December, Zelensky delivered a moving address before a joint session of Congress. This time, there will be no prime-time tear-jerkers, just closed-door meetings on the House and Senate sides, and a few more down the street, at the White House, as well as with Lloyd Austin and Chairman Mark Milley. (Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska will speak at Georgetown on Thursday afternoon.)