EBN – US military aid for Kyiv has been strangely absent, raising concerns about the future of support for Ukraine’s war.
President Joe Biden has previously reassured Ukraine about continued backing. However, the omission in the budget deal has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the country’s military assistance.
The issue of funding for Ukraine has become increasingly contentious within US politics, with sharp divisions emerging among lawmakers.
Political Divisions in the US Congress
Hard-line Republicans argue against providing a “blank check” to Kyiv. However, President Biden and Democrats emphasise the importance of aiding Ukraine in resisting the invasion initiated by Russian President Putin.
They contend that failing to support Ukraine could embolden autocrats worldwide.
Analysts have expressed concerns about the implications of the funding exclusion, both for Ukraine’s security and the broader international stage.
“This should worry leaders in Kyiv,” Brett Bruen, an analyst, noted. “I think in Moscow they are celebrating signals that our support may be waning.”
Furthermore, Ukraine’s worries are not limited to US politics. Concerns about the potential re-election of Donald Trump, who has previously praised Putin, add to the country’s apprehensions.
Too Much Military Aid?
While Democrats indicated their intent to introduce separate measures regarding aid to Ukraine in the coming days, the uncertainty lingers.
The US has already provided approximately $46 billion (€43 billion) in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Biden’s proposal for an additional $24 billion (€23 billion) remains in limbo. Beneath the political debates in the US lies another challenge, which is war fatigue.
With rising inflation and a war-weary populace, scepticism about continued involvement in international conflicts is growing among US voters.
Recent polls reflect this sentiment with a significant increase from earlier this year. 41% of respondents in an ABC/Washington Post poll believe that Washington is doing too much to support Ukraine.
In a pre-recorded speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his unwavering resolve against Russia, even after the US Congress’s decision.
He affirmed Ukraine’s determination, emphasising that the country would persist until victory was achieved.
Zelenskyy also underscored the resilience of the Ukrainian people in their ongoing struggle.
