White House warns of ‘dire’ situation with Ukraine aid — RT World News
A senior US budget official warned that Washington urgently needs congressional approval for new money to continue supporting Kiev
The White House desperately needs Congress to approve a major aid package for Ukraine if it hopes to continue supporting Kiev, Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, told reporters on Friday. She added that Washington has very few other options to continue the flow of aid, adding that the United States is running out of time in this regard.
Washington provided Ukraine with an arms package worth $250 million in late December, which is considered the last due to lack of funding. According to Young, President Joe Biden's administration decided to give up withdrawal authority, allowing it to take weapons from existing US stockpiles and send them to Kiev. These stockpiles cannot be refilled without funding that Congress has not yet approved.
The Pentagon still has limited authority to supply weapons to the Ukrainian military, however “This will not lead to the introduction of large batches of equipment into Ukraine.” The official added. Earlier this week, Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder said that the US Department of Defense is working “I have no money” For Ukraine.
The situation with aid to Ukraine is no less so “dangerous” Young acknowledged, warning of an event in which the United States might be forced to stop its aid to Kiev completely.
“Yes, Kiev may have some time from other donors to ensure that it is able to maintain its warlike status, and maintain its civil service, but what is happening in Kiev [European Union]in other NATO allies, if the United States withdraws their support? she told reporters at a breakfast hosted by The Christian Science Monitor.
The official warned that such a development might prompt other countries to withdraw their support for Kiev. “What message does this send to the rest of the world? And what will their decisions be if they see that the United States is not stepping up to the plate?”
Biden urged lawmakers to pass a massive aid package, including about $61 billion for Kiev, in late October 2023. The bill has been stuck in Congress for months amid opposition from Republicans, who have called for a tougher border protection policy. The legislation was ultimately left in limbo after Congress adjourned it late last year, delaying discussions until after the holiday recess.
Meanwhile, another major donor – the European Union – saw a delay in its main aid package for Kiev due to internal disagreements. Hungary vetoed a four-year plan worth about 50 billion euros ($55 billion) late last year, with deliberations on it postponed to 2024.
Amid these developments, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba told CNN's Christian Amanpour earlier this week that his country had no position. “Plan B” Without US military aid. He also reiterated Kiev's demands for combat drones, long-range missiles and air defense capabilities, among other equipment.
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