The United States government has reached a last-minute deal to avert a shutdown. However, this deal did not include new funding for Ukraine, which has raised concerns about the future of US aid for the country. President Joe Biden had previously reassured Ukraine of continued support in its efforts to counter Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine had visited Washington just a week ago to appeal for additional funding. However, due to opposition from hardline Republicans, the compromise reached in Congress excluded new funding for Ukraine.
While Biden and his Democratic party emphasize the importance of aiding Ukraine in resisting Russia’s invasion, the issue has become highly politicized in Washington. The fate of crucial military aid for Ukraine is now uncertain, at a time when Ukraine is striving to make progress in its counteroffensive before the onset of winter.
President Biden urged Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to ensure the passage of a separate bill for Ukraine funding, expressing his commitment to support Ukraine.
Ukraine has downplayed the impact of this decision, stating that it is actively collaborating with its American partners to secure new wartime aid. Joseph Borrell, the top diplomat for the European Union, expressed surprise at the last-minute deal and expressed hope that the US would continue to support Ukraine.
However, this decision sends a concerning signal to the world, suggesting that some American politicians are willing to sacrifice Ukraine for political reasons. Analysts warn that this could embolden Moscow and have repercussions for Ukraine’s future, especially with concerns about the potential return of former Republican President Donald Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.
House Democrats anticipate McCarthy to bring a separate Ukraine aid bill for a vote in the coming week, but the funding amount remains uncertain.
The situation is further complicated by political factors, such as the bid to unseat McCarthy by hardline Republican Matt Gaetz, who opposes additional aid for Ukraine. Additionally, McCarthy has linked Ukraine funding to border security, a key Republican demand.
Furthermore, there is growing war fatigue in the United States, with skepticism not only among hardline Republicans but also among more moderate lawmakers and voters. A recent poll showed increasing concerns among Americans about the level of support for Ukraine.
The Biden administration emphasizes the importance of stopping Russia in Ukraine to prevent broader global risks. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called on Congress to fulfill America’s commitment to assist Ukraine in defending itself.
Analysts caution that even a temporary delay in Ukraine funding could be problematic in the long run and provide a boost to detractors.
