Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, has declined an invitation to attend President Biden’s State of the Union address due to a scheduling conflict, her office announced on Wednesday. The White House had also invited Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei A. Navalny, who passed away last month in a Russian prison, but she is also unable to attend.
The White House had hoped to have both women present at the address as a symbol of the fight for freedom and resistance to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. President Biden is expected to push for continued support and approval of a $60 billion military and financial aid package for Ukraine in his speech, as the country faces urgent need for military assistance on the battlefield.
Ms. Zelenska’s decision not to attend contrasts with Ukraine’s usual efforts to rally support on the international stage, as she and President Zelensky have traveled extensively since Russia’s invasion two years ago. Recent trips by Ukrainian officials to the United States, including President Zelensky’s meeting with President Biden, have yielded minimal results in securing aid.
The first lady’s absence at the State of the Union address highlights the challenges Ukraine continues to face in gaining support for its defense efforts. President Biden’s address is expected to emphasize the importance of supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
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