The funding dilemma for Ukraine's fight for freedom is escalating as the once promised "whatever the cost" aid from Western leaders edges towards its expiration date. On Wednesday, the US Senate Republicans rejected a 106 billion dollar aid package, a substantial portion of which was earmarked for Ukraine. Only 49 senators voted in favor while the required 60 votes were missed.
US President Joe Biden labeled this move by the conservative Washington senators as astonishing and dangerous. The refusal to provide aid to Ukraine by the Republicans is seen as a significant boost for Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, it's important to note that no always means no may not hold true in the US Capitol anymore, as compromises have been made in the past.
Kiev's financial resources are dwindling rapidly while conservative Washington's patience is waning. The Ukrainian resistance, heavily backed by billions in aid from allies, particularly the US, is increasingly reliant on these funds. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the latest aid pledged between August and October 2023 fell by almost 90 percent compared to the same period last year. This plunge in aid could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine, potentially making the reconquest of occupied territories impossible and increasing the risk of losing the war, as stated by Andriy Yermak, the head of the Kiev presidential office.
The Democratic majority in the Senate, led by Chuck Schumer, has shown a willingness to make significant concessions, provided that the conservatives are amenable to a stricter border policy. However, the currently extreme demands of the right would require an ideological bend that the Democrats are unwilling to make.
This prolonged impasse has resulted in the looming specter of a shutdown once again haunting the Capitol corridors in early 2026. Ukraine cannot afford this delay again, especially since the failure to provide aid is not considered punishable in the US.
In a stark contrast, the proposed aid package included 14 billion dollars for Israel to battle Hamas, a contentious issue among progressive democrats and the far right. This controversy merely adds another layer of complexity to the already tangled web of US foreign policy.
Resources:
- ; [https://www.politico.com/]; [https://www.washingtonpost.com/]
