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Zelensky attempts to allay US senators' fears on corruption, asks for more aid

President of Ukraine tried to convince the senators that the US funds would not be embezzled, says senator Mike Rounds

NEW YORK, December 12. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky tried to reassure members of the US Senate at a meeting with them that there is no serious corruption in Ukraine and that related reports should not hinder aid to Kiev, CNN reported.

Senator Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) told CNN that Zelensky was trying to convince the senators that the US funds would not be embezzled. The lawmaker added that the Ukrainian leader did not name the exact amount of aid Kiev would like to receive, but said that Ukraine needs more air defense systems as soon as possible.

"I think the notion of corruption came up because some have said we can’t do it (allocate money - TASS), because people will buy yachts with the money," Senator Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) explained.

The Ukrainian president is on a visit to Washington. As part of his trip, he visited the US Congress to meet with senators from both parties as well as House Speaker and Republican Mike Johnson earlier on Tuesday. Zelensky will later go to the White House to meet with US President Joe Biden.