Vox Sentences - What Zelenskyy got in Washington

Friday, September 22, 2023:

Hey readers,

It’s finally Friday. I’m Izzie Ramirez, deputy editor over at Future Perfect. Here’s what we’re following ahead of the weekend:

Up first: The latest in the war in Ukraine

In other news: Federal prosecutors charge Sen. Bob Menendez with bribery, the White House proposes medical bills should be removed from credit reports, and that “free” iPhone might cost you a fortune.

As for me, I’ll be reading Jack Meserve’s explainer about how states humiliate single parents who need governmental assistance.

Sentences will return in your inbox Monday. Have thoughts, questions, or comments? Email newsletter@vox.com. We read every single email!

Why Volodymyr Zelenskyy had to go to Washington

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Loads of world politicians are stateside this week, as part of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went down to Washington to convene with Biden personally about the latest in the war on Thursday. 

The lowdown: The future of the conflict is a lot less clear than it was last year. That uncertainty is fueling doubt about Western support for Ukraine, and what that might mean for Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russia, writes foreign policy reporter Jen Kirby.

• Earlier in the week, Zelenskyy called on the world to “act united to defeat the aggressor” at the United Nations. Soon after, Moscow unleashed an aggressive air campaign against Ukrainian cities. 
  
  

• The two nations are at a crucial inflection point in the war. Russia is not exactly winning, but it is also not defeated. There are plenty of doubts as to whether Russia is capable of another offensive next year, but Ukraine is also in need of more money and weapons.
  
  

• Ukraine’s counteroffensive strategy — which is largely funded by the US and other allies — changed a few months ago. Kyiv struggled in its early days to coordinate large-scale attacks and use new equipment. Now it favors a strategy of attrition: wearing down Russia’s defenses rather than trying to blitz through them. 

The stakes: When Zelenskyy visited Washington last December, Congress was considering a huge $45 billion aid package for Ukraine. This time, the Biden administration is pushing Congress to pass another $24 billion in aid to Ukraine. Then, as now, the package has bipartisan support, save for a vocal group of House Republicans who have criticized the “blank check” to Kyiv.

The good news for Ukraine is that although that $24 billion military aid package is still on hold in Congress, the Biden administration announced it’s using executive authority to provide an additional, separate package worth $325 million, which will include air defense capabilities, munitions, and anti-tank weapons. 

Whether that money and equipment will make a meaningful dent in Ukraine’s counteroffensive  remains to be seen. Zelenskyy’s stance continues to be that Ukraine will win — but only if backers stay the course.

Read Jen Kirby’s full piece here. 

Sen. Bob Menendez and wife indicted for bribery, involvement with Egyptian government

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

It’s not the New Jersey senator’s first rodeo. For the second time in a decade, Bob Menendez was charged with corruption-related offenses Friday morning. Here’s what you need to know:

• Menendez, who leads the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee, allegedly was bribed in exchange for being favorable toward Egypt. Prosecutors allege the bribes included gold, cash, home mortgage payments, a luxury vehicle, and compensation for a “low-or-no-show job” for his wife, Nadine. [CNN]
  
  
• The indictment alleges that Menendez facilitated military aid deals that were influenced by his wife and outside business partners. The senator has denied the allegations. [Politico]
   
• Menendez planned to run for reelection in the fall. But if he were to step down before the end of his term, New Jersey Gov. Philip Murphy (D) would be responsible for appointing his replacement. [New York Times]

You can read the full indictment here.

Blame Capitalism: The 99%

Two wildly different political movements — Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party — emerged from the Great Recession. They forever changed the way Americans think about capitalism and democracy.

• Who among us hasn’t received a shockingly expensive hospital bill? The White House proposed removing medical bills from credit reports Thursday to help ease the financial burden from unexpected medical costs. Medical debt is the most common collection type found on credit reports. [The Hill]
  
  

• Ozempic may have potential mental health side effects. The European Medicines Agency has been looking into the risk of thoughts of self-harm and suicide since July. The FDA is still in the monitoring stage. [NPR]
  
  

• Hollywood writers strike could be closer to a deal. After 10 hours of talks with studio execs such as Disney’s Bob Iger and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, the Writers Guild of America will meet again today. [NBC News]
  
  

• 1.5 million people in Seattle asked to conserve water. Residents were asked to stop watering lawns, run only full washers and dishwashers, and fix leaky plumbing to buoy against a statewide drought. People will be asked to use less water until mountain reservoirs are refilled with rain to necessary levels. [ABC News]
  

Another Covid-19 winter is coming. Here’s how to prepare.

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