A senior White House official has warned that time and money are running out to help Ukraine counter Russian forces that have taken control of parts of the country since February 2022.
This comes in a letter sent Monday by White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and other key members of Congress.
Shalanda Young warned that the US does not have the time or money to help Ukraine counter Russian forces.
Last October, US President Joe Biden’s administration asked Congress for about $106 billion to fund “ambitious programs for Ukraine, Israel and US border security.”
Republicans control the House of Representatives by a narrow majority, and funding for Ukraine has become politically controversial for some right-wing representatives.
The field will not wait
Young said in a letter released by the White House that cutting off funding and weapons to Ukraine would increase Russia’s chances of achieving victories.
“I want to be clear,” he wrote. “If Congress doesn’t act by the end of the year, we’ll run out of resources to buy more weapons and equipment for Ukraine and provide equipment from the U.S. military stockpile. There’s no magic pot of funding to meet this moment. We’re going to run out of money.” “And time is almost up.”
He added, “Cutting off the flow of U.S. weapons and equipment would paralyze Ukraine on the battlefield.”
“This is not a problem that can be left for next year,” he said. “It’s time to help a democratic Ukraine confront Russian aggression. It’s time for Congress to act.”
As Russian forces intensify their offensive in the east after repelling a counteroffensive in Kiev, Ukraine is pressing for more foreign aid.
Winter and elections
As the war entered its third winter, the situation on the front lines remained largely unchanged last year, despite a significant move by Ukrainian forces over the summer to rely on Western military equipment.
Biden sought to combine the $61 billion package earmarked for Ukraine with the $14 billion earmarked for Israel in the aid package he called for last October.
The US has already provided $40 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
More money to Ukraine could weaken the re-election chances of Biden, who is seeking a second term next year, as polls show a growing number of voters believe the US is doing more to help Kiev.
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