The White House recently approved another tranche of US military aid to Ukraine, amounting to $250 million. This aid package includes air defense, artillery, small arms ammunition, and anti-tank weapons. However, this marks the last funding available without fresh approval from Congress, which is currently experiencing stalled talks. The potential impact of this news is significant, as Ukraine has warned that its war effort and public finances are at risk if further Western aid is not provided.
Amidst a stalled counter-offensive in the eastern part of the country and an unchanged line of control, Ukrainian officials are facing the prospect of a slowdown in aid from allies in Washington and Europe. While the Ukraine war effort enjoys broad support in the US Congress, an agreement on further arms has been hindered by Republicans who insist on incorporating tougher security measures on the US-Mexico border into any military aid deal. Unfortunately, an emergency spending measure that would have allocated $50 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel was defeated in the Senate, with all Republicans and Bernie Sanders, an independent, voting against it.
A recent visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also failed to sway lawmakers. Consequently, the recently approved aid package will involve pulling weapons from existing Pentagon stocks, bypassing the need for Congressional approval. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the urgency of Congress’s swift action in advancing national security interests by supporting Ukraine in defending itself against Russia’s aggression.
The impact of this news goes beyond Ukraine’s borders, as earlier this month, a €50 billion EU aid package for Ukraine was blocked by Hungary. With Ukraine facing a $43 billion budget deficit, further delays in military aid from Western countries could lead to the postponement of salaries and pensions for government employees. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stressed the critical nature of partner support in an interview with the Financial Times, urging urgent assistance.
However, talks are underway regarding a smaller aid package that does not require Hungary’s approval, potentially enabling its implementation in early February. As funding from Ukraine’s Western allies has slowed, Russian forces continue to fight in the eastern part of the country. Recently, they seized the key town of Mariinka after Ukrainian forces withdrew. This town has been a significant battleground for over a year.
In summary, the approval of an additional $250 million in military aid to Ukraine by the US, along with the ongoing discussions on a smaller aid package, highlights the criticality of support for Ukraine’s war effort and public finances. The potential consequences of delayed aid include a slowdown in counter-offensive operations and the potential for further territorial gains by Russian forces. Additionally, Ukraine’s budget deficit could result in the postponement of essential payments, impacting the livelihoods of government employees. Urgent action from Congress and continued international support are necessary to address these challenges and ensure Ukraine’s defense and future security.
