US Advisor Warns Arms Supplies to Ukraine Could Stop Without Funding Approval
Date: 2023-12-04 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: MILITARY ASSISTANCE, POLICY
In a recent briefing on national security, Jake Sullivan stated that without action from Congress, the resources allocated for providing Ukraine with more weaponry and equipment, as well as sharing arms from American military reserves, will be exhausted by the end of the year. These resources, which Congress provided for Ukraine's national security needs, have effectively halted Russian advances in Ukraine and aided Ukraine in achieving significant military victories, including the reclamation of over 50% of the territory occupied by Russia.
Sullivan emphasized that the fate of this aid now rests in the hands of Congress. It is up to Congress to decide whether to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom or to "ignore the lessons we have learned from history and allow Putin to prevail."
He also reminded that the United States is running out of money and time. Sullivan called on Congress to approve Biden's request for funding, which would strengthen U.S. national security and assist Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
"If there is no funding to provide arms to Ukraine, we simply won't be able to continue delivering weapons," he added.
Furthermore, Shalanda Young, the Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, has sent an urgent letter to Congress regarding the necessity of approving funding for Ukraine. By the end of 2023, the resources to support Kyiv will be completely depleted.
It's worth noting that President Joe Biden submitted a request to Congress for additional funding, exceeding 100 billion dollars, back in October 2023. Notably, the largest portion of this funding, 61.4 billion dollars, was allocated specifically for Ukraine. Funds were also set aside for Israel.
Initially, funding was only sought for Israel, but Biden vetoed that document. As consensus could not be reached, the U.S. President was forced to sign a temporary budget that did not include aid for Ukraine.
In early December, Republican Senator James Lankford announced that Congress may approve the aid package for Ukraine and Israel by the end of the current year.
