The first lady of Ukraine 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, the organizers planned to seat Elena Zelenska next to the Russian oppositionist Yulia Navalna during President Biden's speech in Congress. However, both women refused 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, including the visit of children from an orphanage to Kyiv, she cannot take part in the event.
"Zelenska and Navalna were supposed to become symbols of resistance to Russian President Putin against the backdrop of President Biden's speech at a joint session of Congress," the article says.
However, the possible presence of Navalny caused discomfort among Ukrainians, according to the publication's source in Kyiv. While many in Ukraine support Navalny for his fight against Putin, his statements regarding Crimea have caused some controversy.
An official representative of the White House clarified that Olena Zelenska's decision was probably related to a "schedule 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 near the end of the process.
Regarding the refusal of Yulia Navalny to come to Biden's speech, according to her spokeswoman, the reason was a loss of energy.
"Yulia was indeed invited, but I think that everyone forgets the circumstances against which the events took place," Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said.
She explained that since Navalny's death, Yuliya has been traveling all this time.
"Today is the first day that she is at home at all. Like any person, she needs time to come to her senses, although she greatly 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.
However, as The Washington Post points out, Navalny could not be the only reason for concern in Kyiv.
According to the publication, Ukraine is currently actively lobbying Republicans in the House of Representatives to get support for voting for Biden's $60 billion aid initiative.
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 Zelenskyi made a significant effort to present aid to Ukraine as a common issue of both political parties.
According to expectations, during his speech on Thursday, President Biden will call on Republicans in the House of Representatives to accept funding for Ukraine "as soon as possible", a representative of the White House said.
