According to CNN, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has declined an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit the country. The invitation follows ongoing disputes among GOP lawmakers about whether or not to send additional aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky Urges McCarthy to Visit Ukraine
President Zelensky urged Speaker McCarthy to travel to Ukraine to see the impact of Russia's invasion. In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Zelensky stated, "I think that Speaker McCarthy, he never visited Kyiv or Ukraine, and I think it would help him with his position."
McCarthy Has No Plans to Visit Ukraine
However, Speaker McCarthy told CNN he has no plans to visit Ukraine. He also criticized President Biden for not moving quickly enough to provide aid to the country. In November, McCarthy, who serves as the top Republican in the House, stated that the GOP would not give Ukraine a "blank check," indicating the Republican party's reluctance to continue funding the war against Russia.