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President Joe Biden lost his temper with Volodymyr Zelensky during a phone call to discuss US military aid to Ukraine in June, according to reports. Having just approved an additional $1 billion for Ukraine, Biden reportedly became angry when Zelensky pressed him for further aid, according to NBC News. Biden is said to have raised his voice during the June 15 call, pointing to U.S. generosity toward Ukraine and saying Zelensky could show more gratitude, people familiar with the call told NBC News. Biden’s frustration had reportedly been building for several weeks before the conversation, as Zelensky argued in public statements that aid was not coming fast enough. The leaders’ relationship has improved in the four months since, administration officials told the network. Resistance to US aid to Ukraine has intensified in recent weeks, with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy saying there will be “no blank check” if his party takes control of Congress in the midterms. The Democratic Congressional Progressive Caucus also pressed the White House to negotiate directly with Russia, before withdrawing the request. US President Joe Biden reportedly lost his temper during a phone call with the Ukrainian leader (file photo) (White House photo) Mr. Biden reportedly discussed asking Congress for about $50 billion in additional funding during the session after the November midterms. According to State Department figures, the US has provided more than $20 billion in security assistance since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014. The Biden administration has sent about $17.6 billion since the start of the 2022 war in February. As Ukraine has wrested significant swaths of territory from the Russians in recent weeks, Russia has stepped up missile attacks on key infrastructure and civilian targets. The Independent has sought comment from the White House.
