Biden reaffirms US commitment to Ukraine despite budget setback

In a recent budget fiasco, the US Congress excluded $6 billion in military aid for Ukraine, a move that has sparked concern and criticism from President Joe Biden. While the temporary budget deal was pushed through to prevent a government shutdown, it did not prioritize the military funding that the White House deemed essential for Kyiv. However, President Biden has assured Ukraine that they can still rely on US support. This decision has further fueled the divide between hardline Republicans who oppose additional military aid and President Biden’s approach to the ongoing war. Despite the setback, the US has already provided $46 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, and President Biden has requested an additional $24 billion. Moreover, the US has recently supplied advanced weaponry, such as long-range missiles and Abrams tanks. The temporary budget agreement, which will fund the US federal government for 45 days, has temporarily suspended military funding. Nonetheless, senior Senate leaders from both parties have expressed their commitment to ensuring continued support for Ukraine in the coming weeks. The omission of military funding reflects the growing opposition from hard-right Republicans in the House of Representatives to the war over recent months. This opposition has faced backlash from Democratic Party senators who are concerned about abandoning Ukraine in this critical moment. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to Washington, where he appealed for support, has also shed light on the issue. Despite the ongoing political turmoil, Ukrainian officials are attempting to frame the 45-day funding agreement as an “opportunity” for diplomats to secure long-term support. However, the uncertainty surrounding ongoing programs due to the suspension of funding has caused concern in Kyiv. This political upheaval is indicative of Western fatigue, as demonstrated by Republicans’ skepticism and the recent election victory of a populist, pro-Moscow party in Slovakia. The European Union’s senior diplomat, Josep Borrell, expressed worry about the US Congress’s decision and emphasized the need for a united European response to Russia’s aggression. President Zelensky remains resolute in Ukraine’s fight for independence and resilience, regardless of the level of support from the West. It is evident that Ukraine greatly prefers continuous support from its Western allies.