The White House warned yesterday that the United States has the funds for just one more aid package for Ukraine this year, while the US Congress continues to block new military support for Kiev, AFP announced.
“We only have one envelope of aid left” before the funds dedicated to Ukraine run out, stressed the spokesman for the US National Security Council, John Kirby.
This official refused to specify the amount of this new aid package, which is expected during the month of December. The United States Congress has committed more than 110 billion dollars (100 billion euros, at the current exchange rate) since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, but Republican congressmen are blocking an important package of aid, demanding major changes to US migration policy, including stricter measures at the border with Mexico.
A few days before the pause in work in Congress, lawmakers approved a defense budget for 2024, thus freeing up 300 million dollars (247 million euros) for Kiev.
However, a minimal amount compared to the 61 billion dollars (56 billion euros) requested by the White House.
Kirby urged Congress to “act without delay” to avoid ending aid shipments. “It is clearly in our national interest and our help is essential so that Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom.”
US President Joe Biden “is prepared to negotiate in good faith and with commitment”, Kirby also assured, pointing out that the US executive is negotiating with members of Congress on border security and funding for Ukraine and Israel.
The so-called “National Defense Authorization Law”, with a value equivalent to 805.8 billion euros that applies to the current fiscal year, which began on October 1st, was approved on Thursday in the Chamber of Representatives (lower house ), following receiving the green light from the Senate on Wednesday.
The initiative was approved following months of intense negotiations between Democrats and Republicans. The budget includes a 5.2% pay raise for military personnel, as well as providing necessary funding for the Pentagon’s different programs.
Among them, it includes 11.5 billion dollars (10.4 billion euros) to combat Beijing’s influence in the South China Sea.
However, most military aid to Kiev remains blocked in Congress, where Republicans have blocked an emergency budget package sent by Biden.
This package is worth 106 billion dollars (96.4 billion euros) and includes 61 billion dollars (55.4 billion euros) for Ukraine and 15 billion dollars (13.6 billion euros) euros) for Israel, but Republicans demand the application of a more restrictive immigration policy in exchange for its approval.