Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called off a high-profile briefing with US lawmakers amid an impasse over future US funding for the country, writes BBC.

Virtual appearances in the Senate and House had been scheduled for Tuesday, but were cancelled at the last moment. It came after a top Ukrainian official warned they are in danger of losing the war against Russia if more US military aid is not approved.

Senate leader Chuck Schumer did not explain why Mr Zelensky was a no-show. The chamber’s top Democrat said the Ukrainian president was occupied with a “last-minute” matter, without providing further detail.

Ukraine’s embassy in Washington DC did not immediately respond to a BBC question asking for further explanation for the cancellation.

It comes on the heels of a renewed push by the White House for additional support for Ukraine. The US Congress, however, is still not close to a deal on a compromise spending package that would help fund the war effort.