Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, embarked on a visit to Washington on Monday, advocating for Ukraine as the West's sole defense against an imperialist Russia. Speaking at the National Defense University to a gathering of military officers from around the world, Zelenskyy warned that squabbling in Washington only serves to benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and his associates.

The Ukrainian leader's visit comes at a crucial time, as U.S. funding for Ukraine has diminished and $60 billion in military and humanitarian aid remains stalled in Congress. This funding is part of a $111 billion supplemental package, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and border security. However, disagreements among Republicans over border policy have prevented the legislation from advancing.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of American support for Ukraine, framing it as a crucial element in the global struggle for freedom against tyranny. Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, asserting that Ukraine holds profound significance for America's security and the trajectory of global security in the 21st century.

Highlighting the historical context, Zelenskyy drew parallels between the current situation and the fall of the Soviet Union, arguing that Putin seeks to rebuild the old Soviet empire, beginning with Ukraine. Putin himself has expressed this aspiration on multiple occasions, most notably at the Munich Security Conference in 2007, where he strongly criticized the Western-led international order and NATO's expansion towards Russian borders.

Zelenskyy stressed that Putin's aggression towards Ukraine extends beyond settling perceived scores and constitutes an attack on the significant shift that occurred in 1989. According to the Ukrainian leader, Putin's genuine aim is to undermine the freedom enjoyed by people in democratic countries worldwide, attempting to prove that dictatorships with limited market economies can triumph in the global geopolitical contest.

Prior to Zelenskyy's visit, a delegation from Kyiv held meetings aimed at securing co-production agreements between U.S. and Ukrainian defense companies. The objective is to enable Ukraine to produce its own weaponry and revitalize the defense industry. The plan involves collaboration with U.S. and European companies, which will not only provide expertise but also train Ukrainian workers as investments are made to rebuild industrial capability within the country. The ultimate goal is for Ukraine to become an exporter of specific weapons and equipment, such as drones, where Ukrainian engineers have made significant advancements.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday. The Biden administration intends to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to Ukraine, particularly as it grapples with Russian forces still controlling 20 percent of Ukrainian territory following the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The meeting will address Ukraine's urgent needs and stress the crucial role of continued U.S. support during this critical moment.

As Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, the discussions between the two leaders will focus on addressing these pressing concerns and ensuring the United States' assistance during this challenging period.

Overall, Zelenskyy's visit underscores Ukraine's plea for international assistance in countering Russian aggression and emphasizes the importance of U.S. support in stabilizing the region and safeguarding global security.