In the wake of the removal of Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position, President Joe Biden voiced his apprehensions on Wednesday, suggesting that the ongoing political turmoil in Washington could jeopardize vital financial assistance to Ukraine. He urged Republicans to set aside their internal conflicts and rally behind the “critically important” support for Kyiv.
President Biden revealed his intention to deliver a significant speech in the near future, underscoring the imperative to stand by Ukraine in its relentless struggle against the Russian invasion, a conflict that has raised alarms among US allies.
Biden admitted, “It does worry me,” in response to inquiries about whether McCarthy’s ousting by hardline elements within his own party could hinder further funding for Ukraine’s war efforts. However, he also noted, “But I know there are a majority of members of the House and Senate of both parties who have said that they support funding Ukraine.”
The recent deal struck in Congress to prevent a US government shutdown, reached just before the weekend, regrettably did not include fresh funding for Ukraine. The already complex situation has been further complicated by McCarthy’s exit on Tuesday, which introduces a mix of perspectives among his potential successors, including hard-right Republican Jim Jordan, who has shown skepticism regarding funding for Ukraine.
The timing of this situation is precarious, as the White House warns that aid to Ukraine could potentially run out within months, coinciding with Ukraine’s efforts to advance its offensive against Russia before the onset of winter.
Biden hinted at alternative means of securing funding without requiring congressional approval but refrained from divulging further details. He is slated to receive a briefing on Ukraine from his national security team on Thursday, a session that will include the newly appointed top US military officer, General Charles “CQ” Brown, according to White House statements.
President Biden’s remarks represent a shift in tone, given that he had previously conveyed his confidence in securing fresh aid during a call with allies on Tuesday, as reported by the White House.
The President now intends to articulate the significance of supporting Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russia’s full-scale invasion. “I’m going to be announcing very shortly a major speech I’m going to make on this issue, and why it’s critically important for the United States and our allies that we keep our commitment,” Biden affirmed, although he refrained from specifying a date for the speech.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his conviction that despite the political turbulence in Washington, the United States will continue to extend support to Ukraine. “I am very convinced that the American Congress will make the necessary support for Ukraine possible,” Scholz declared following his conversation with Biden.
Chancellor Scholz further emphasized that a substantial number of representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties concur on the importance of supporting Ukraine. He believes this consensus will facilitate the prompt approval of aid, in addition to previously allocated assistance.
Washington has allocated over $43 billion in military aid to Kyiv since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in February 2022, with Congress having approved a total of $113 billion in aid, encompassing humanitarian assistance.
Germany stands as the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, following the United States, cementing its commitment to assisting Ukraine in its challenging circumstances.
