McConnell declares Ukraine funding GOP's top priority ahead of Zelensky visit

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday told reporters that the GOP's top priority would be to secure assistance for Ukraine in prosecuting its war against Russia.

"Providing assistance for Ukrainians to defeat the Russians is the number one priority for the United States right now, according to most Republicans," he said.

His remarks come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is slated to address Congress in person on Wednesday, marking his first trip outside of Ukraine since the war began.

MCCONNELL: "Providing assistance for Ukrainians to defeat the Russians is the number one priority for the United States right now, according to most Republicans.”

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McConnell's remarks do not appear to reflect reality, as many prominent members of the party have scrutinized financial assistance to Kyiv and openly opposed a spending package including further aid for a myriad of reasons.

Congress remains embroiled in tense negotiations over the passage of an omnibus spending package that would fund the government through next year. House Republicans have called on the Senate GOP to refrain from advancing such a package and to wait until they take control of the lower chamber so as to apply more leverage in the negotiations.

Some Republican lawmakers have alleged that the Kentucky senator is "coercing" them to back the spending package, which would likely include additional financial support for Ukraine. Many Republicans, such as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, have openly tussled with McConnell over the package, including additional financial support for Ukraine. Many of these lawmakers remain concerned that already-approved aid packages have suffered significant graft and seek to mount investigations into the issue.