WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden urged the US House of Representatives to immediately pass the Senate-approved additional funding for Ukraine and Israel on Monday, as he hosted the Czech Prime Minister Peter Fiala in the Oval Office.
The visit came as Biden wanted to highlight the efforts other countries are making to support Ukraine. It followed the Czech government’s announcement that it is sending 1 million artillery ammunition to Ukraine, which Kiev says is desperately needed on the battlefield against the Russian invasion.
“As the Czech Republic remembers, Russia will not stop at Ukraine,” Biden said. He called on Congress to approve the additional funding so the U.S. could do its part to help Ukraine. “They have to do it now,” Biden said.
Fiala praised the US president for his leadership in support of Ukraine, adding: “We are also doing our best.”
He said: “In 1968 I saw Russian tanks on the streets of my city, and I don’t want to see this again.”
Biden called the Czech Republican a “great ally” in NATO, as Fiala said his country’s decision to buy F-35 fighter jets from the US “will make our cooperation and security much stronger.”
Fiala told reporters after his call with Biden that he will meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to further discuss aid to Ukraine.
“The support from the US, the assistance from the US is very important,” Fiala said.
