“One of the most tense meetings”: how Biden’s conversation with Congressional leaders on Ukraine went

What are the results of Biden's meeting with the leaders of the US Congress/Collage 24 Channel (photo Getty Images and from open sources)

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with congressional leaders on February 27. One of the main topics of the conversation was the provision of military assistance to Ukraine.

This meeting took place against the backdrop of congressmen returning from vacation and the need to pass an aid bill to our state. The conversation also touched on preventing a shutdown in the United States.

The White House spoke about Biden's meeting with Congressional leaders

The White House noted that key leaders of Congress took part in this meeting. Including House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

With all of them, President Biden and Vice President Harris discussed pressing issues to avoid a government shutdown and provide support for Ukraine.

During the meeting, President Biden noted the critical need for Congressional support for Ukraine , highlighting Ukraine's recent battlefield losses and the ammunition and supply challenges it faces due to congressional inaction.

The US President stressed the importance of a bipartisan addition to the National security, which has already received overwhelming support in the Senate and is ready for passage in the House of Representatives pending a vote.

The meeting was described as ” one of the most intense”

CNN spoke with key participants in the conversation to find out more details about the meeting.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the White House meeting “one of the most tense” ever he ever experienced. He noted that this conversation was “important for the United States.”

We could not afford to wait a month, two or three months. Because we are likely to lose the war, he said.

At the same time, Schumer expressed disappointment that House Speaker Mike Johnson was tying the aid package to the US southern border , saying Democrats “have a strong plan for a secure border.”

Schumer also said the group discussed how failure to support Ukraine could split NATO and distract allies from U.S. leadership.

“The leaders of North Korea and Iran will feel free to think that the United States is a soft, fat country that has lost its way and will take advantage,” Schumer added.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the meeting at the White House “frank and honest.” He noted that he also had a “personal” meeting with Biden.

Johnson also noted that the House of Representatives is “actively considering all options on Ukraine.” He assured that this would be done “in a timely manner,” but did not specify how.

The White House press secretary added details about meeting

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that Joe Biden made it clear at the meeting that the US Congress must take swift action to finance the government and prevent a shutdown.

In addition, according to Jean-Pierre, the American leader emphasized the urgent need for Congress to support Ukraine as it defends itself from a brutal Russian invasion.

“Bipartisan legislation would arm Ukraine, invest in America's defense industrial base, help Israel defend itself from Hamas, and provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflicts around the world, including Palestinian civilians,” the spokeswoman said. White House.

She also noted that President Biden has called on the House of Representatives to prioritize US national security by passing the relief package legislation, and warned of potential “dire consequences” if The House will not take action.

In addition, Jean-Pierre noted that President Biden had a private meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson, although she did not disclose details of the conversation.