Ukraine’s leader to push Biden for U.S. support

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Ukrainian leader who found himself ensnarled in Donald Trump's first impeachment finally gets his long-sought Oval Office meeting Wednesday with a new U.S. president, seeking increased military aid and backing for his country's bid for NATO membership.

The White House says the meeting between President Joe Biden and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is aimed at showing support for Ukraine's sovereignty in the face of Russia's seizure of Crimea and backing of armed separatists in the country's east. Biden also intends to encourage Zelenskyy's efforts to tackle corruption and reassure him that the U.S will help protect Ukraine's energy security.

In advance of the sit-down, the Biden administration said it was committing up to $60 million in new military aid to

Ukraine. The administration said in a notification to Congress that the aid package for Ukraine was necessary because of a "major increase in Russian military activity along its border" and because of mortar attacks, ceasefire violations and other provocations.

Zelenskyy is expected to bring up Washington's decision not to block the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would carry Russian natural gas directly to Germany, bypassing Ukraine. The pipeline is vehemently opposed by Ukraine and Poland as well as both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, with Zelenskyy describing it as a powerful geopolitical weapon for Russia.

The White House meeting was postponed two days while Biden and his national security team were consumed by the American military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Submitted Photo Woodruff Electric dispatched eight employees early today to assist in the power restoration efforts from damage caused by Hurricane Ida. A construction crew and service crew with eight trucks and equipment departed towards Amelia, La. The crews will be working alongside Southern Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association (SLECA) which services 19,000 homes and businesses. As of Tuesday, SLECA had 94% of its members without power. Woodruff Electric crews assisting to restore power will be joining nearly 200 other linemen who have been dispatched from the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. These crews will be working in Louisiana and Mississippi to restore power to those affected by Hurricane Ida. The Woodruff Electric crew, from left, are: Tyler Clark, Josh Armstrong, Joe Myers, Michael Stuckey, Colton McDonald, Kerry Crump, Eric Jones and Scott Burns.