The First Lady of Ukraine has declined an invitation from the White House to attend President Biden's speech on Thursday, The Washington Post reports.
According to the publication's sources, organizers planned to seat Olena Zelenska next to Russian opposition figure Yulia Navalny during President Biden's speech to Congress. However, both women declined to participate in the event.
The press service of the President of Ukraine confirmed that the First Lady received an invitation from the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, but due to scheduled events in the schedule, including a visit by children from an orphanage in Kyiv, she cannot participate in the event.
“Zelenskaya and Navalny were to become symbols of resistance to Russian President Putin against the backdrop of President Biden’s speech to a joint session of Congress,” the article says.
However, Navalny's possible presence has caused discomfort among Ukrainians, according to a source in Kyiv. While many in Ukraine express support for Navalny in his fight against Putin, his statements regarding Crimea have caused some controversy.
A White House official explained that Olena Zelenska's decision was likely due to a "scheduling conflict" and referred additional questions to Zelenska's office, which did not respond to a request for comment.
The official also added that seating of guests is completed towards the end of the process.
Regarding Yulia Navalny's refusal to attend Biden's speech, according to her spokeswoman, the reason was a loss of energy.
“Yulia was indeed invited, but I think everyone is forgetting about the circumstances against which the events unfolded,” said Navalny’s press secretary, Kira Yarmysh.
She explained that since Navalny's death, Yulia has been traveling all this time.
"Today is the first day she's been home at all. Like any person, she needs time to recover, although she really appreciates the invitation, she needs at least a little time to rest.".
One American official noted that the White House probably did not inform Kyiv that Navalny had decided to withdraw from participation.
However, as The Washington Post notes, Navalny may not have been the only cause for concern in Kyiv.
According to the publication, Ukraine is currently actively lobbying Republicans in the House of Representatives to gain support for a vote on Biden's initiative to provide $60 billion in aid.
Thus, Ukraine seeks to avoid irritating Republicans, who may participate in the presidential elections in November and potentially enter the White House next year.
During his visit to Washington in December, President Zelensky made significant efforts to present aid to Ukraine as a bipartisan issue.
As expected, during his speech on Thursday, President Biden is urging House Republicans to pass funding for Ukraine “as quickly as possible,” a White House official said.
