Biden to hold Ukraine aid talks with U.S. lawmakers

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has invited Congressional leaders for talks Wednesday on continuing "critical" aid for Ukraine, the White House said, as concerns mount over Western support against Russia.

Washington's military assistance for Ukraine has dried up, with Republicans blocking Democrat Biden's request for $60 billion in aid for Ukraine unless he tightens U.S. immigration laws.

The money for Ukraine is also caught in a bitter partisan political divide as Congress tries to reach a deal to avoid a fresh U.S. government shutdown on Friday.