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It’s a scene that nobody expected to see unfold but nevertheless here we are: This week, Ukraine President Zelensky just rolled into Washington D.C., looking like a bum, with his hand outstretched for more military aid. It’s hard to believe the audacity he has shown America by turning up on our doorstep like this, but behind this move lies an important, dangerous discussion – one which affects not only our own country, but potentially, the entire world. 

At the White House on Wednesday, Joe Biden greeted Ukrainian President Zelensky, who was clad in an olive drab sweatshirt and cargo pants looking more like a pathetic beggar than a head of state. Biden signaled that America’s support for the country will continue amid Russia’s invasion. 

As noted by Townhall, Zelensky was wearing his signature long sleeve green shirt during his visit.

While participating in a joint press conference with Biden, Zelensky said that he and Joe share the “same values” and that America and Ukraine will “win together” following a question by a reporter about the foreign leader’s message to Americans.

Later in the day, Zelensky delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress where he told the lawmakers that their money is “not charity,” but an “investment.”

Despite applause from both Democrats and Republicans, Representatives Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz, who have both criticized aid to Ukraine, remained seated.

A gift of $1.85 billion of military aid from the Biden administration coincided with Zelensky’s arrival in Washington. In the Democrats’ $1.7 trillion omnibus bill, Ukraine will receive another $45 billion. 

Despite this, Zelensky warned that the package, in addition to other billions in U.S. military and financial assistance, is “not enough.” 

In response to Zelensky’s “your money is not charity” remark, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted in response, “It is not charity. Charity would be given freely. The American taxpayers have been conscripted into making welfare payments to this foreign government.”

Following Zelensky’s address to Congress, Rep. Matt Gaetz said in a statement, “President Zelensky should be commended for putting his country first, but American politicians who indulge his requests are unwilling to do the same for ours. Hemorrhaging billions of taxpayer dollars for Ukraine while our country is in crisis is the definition of America Last. He did not change my stance on suspending aid for Ukraine and investigating fraud in transfers already made.”

In addition, a “full audit” of the money sent to Ukraine was demanded by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has downright disrespected America by showing up with his hand out in a blatant appeal for more aid. In his speech to the joint session of Congress, still looking like a bum, Zelensky proclaimed that their money is “not enough,” despite the Biden administration’s generous gift of $1.85 billion military aid and $45 billion in Democrats’ omnibus bill. It’s clear that Ukraine has already been given enough, but desires even more foreign aid at America’s expense—a request that should stop immediately.  The focus must be on America first and providing our own citizens with the kind of resources some so desperately need. It’s time for Americans to stop giving “handouts” to other countries as investments, when they can instead revisit those funds by investing in our own people instead.

Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.