McConnell makes surprise trip to meet Zelenskyy in Ukraine

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made a surprise visit to Ukraine where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Zelenskyy's administration announced the visit on social media and posted pictures of the meetings.

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"The president ended a meeting with influential American Republican senators. And the main thing is true friends of Ukraine," Andrij Sybiha, a member of Zelenskyy’s administration, posted on Facebook Saturday. 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., meets President Zelenskyy in Ukraine. Pictures were posted to Facebook on May 14, 2022, by Andrij Sybiha, a member of President Zelenskyy’s administration. (Andrij Sybiha/Office of the President of Ukraine)

The post touted solid bipartisan support from "American friends" in Ukraine's ongoing fight to defeat the Russian invasion that will soon be approaching three months.

McConnell was accompanied by fellow GOP senators John Barrasso of Wyoming, Susan Collins of Maine and John Cornyn of Texas. 

"It was inspiring to visit the historic capital of a beautiful country that has been forced to fight for its own survival," McConnell said in a statement Saturday.

"We saw firsthand the courage, unity, and resolve of the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainians are fighting bravely against a deranged invader and have already succeeded beyond skeptics’ wildest dreams. They are willing and determined to keep fighting to victory. Ukraine is not asking anybody else to fight their fight. They only ask for the tools they need for self-defense," McConnell said, adding that he assured Zelenskyy of the United States' support until Ukraine wins the war.

He also encouraged other allies to "continue to step up and do their part."

"For his part, President Zelenskyy asked us to relay Ukraine’s gratitude to the American people for our support in this dark hour," McConnell said.

"America’s support for Ukraine’s self-defense is not mere philanthropy. Defending the principle of sovereignty, promoting stability in Europe, and imposing costs on Russia’s naked aggression have a direct and vital bearing on America’s national security and vital interests. It is squarely in our national interest to help Ukraine achieve victory in this war and to help Ukraine and other countries deter other wars of aggression before they start," he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelenskyy takes a photo with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sens. John Barrasso, Susan Collins and John Cornyn, left to right, Saturday, May 14, 2022. (Andrij Sybiha/Office of the President of Ukraine)

The visit comes as the Senate is weighing $40 billion in additional aid to Ukraine to help the country defeat Russia. Both McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wanted the package passed immediately, but Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., held up the vote over concerns the money needs oversight. 

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"My oath of office is to the U.S. Constitution, not to any foreign nation," Paul tweeted Thursday after he single-handed delayed a unanimous consent request to fast-track the bipartisan aid passage.

Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelenskyy speaks with Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and John Barrasso of Wyoming, Saturday, May 14, 2022. (Andrij Sybiha/Office of the President of Ukraine)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., last week visited Zelenskyy in Ukraine. The House on Tuesday passed the $40 billion Ukraine legislation with a strong bipartisan vote of 368-57 and sent the bill to the Senate. 

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Despite the initial delay in the Senate, Zelenskyy’s administration expressed optimism the $40 billion package will be decided next week. 

"Everything will be Ukraine!" Sybiha posted.

Fox News' Chad Pergram and Nana Sajaia contributed to this report.