Urgent Call for Aid: Zelenskyy in D.C. to Secure Support Against Putin
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended with a strong warning—Ukraine needs help urgently to protect itself from Russian aggression. "If we lose, Putin wins," Schumer stated, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This potential outcome poses a significant risk to the U.S., making swift action crucial.
The Stakes are High for Zelenskyy
This was Zelenskyy's third visit to Washington and, according to Schumer, the most critical. Washington serves as Kiev's most significant supporter in the ongoing war against Russian invasion forces. Since February 2022, the U.S. has provided or pledged military aid to Ukraine, totaling over $41 billion (approximately €40 billion).
However, the Republicans in the U.S. recently rejected a $106 billion financial package proposed by President Joe Biden, which included $61.4 billion for Ukraine. Republicans are demanding further concessions on U.S. immigration policy and securing the border with Mexico.
Running on Empty: Biden Warns of Funds Shortage
The White House warned that funds for Ukraine would run out by the end of the year if an agreement wasn't reached with Congress. Upon arriving in Washington, Zelenskyy echoed this concern, warning that delays in aid would be a "dream come true" for Putin.
The Effectiveness of U.S. Aid Debated
According to the Kremlin, the billions of dollars in U.S. aid have yet to bring about significant success on the battlefield. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov questioned the effectiveness of the aid. However, U.S. President Biden has warned the Republicans that Putin would not halt his attacks if Russia achieved a victory in Ukraine, potentially extending the conflict even further.
Republican Dismissal
Republican Senator J.D. Vance dismissed Biden's warnings as "absurd." He argued against funding Ukraine without further immigration concessions, questioning whether additional funds would bring about results that the initial $100 billion didn't.
Meanwhile, the Russian army reportedly made significant progress in the partially Russian-occupied southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhia. The advancement in Novopokrovka, located north-east of Robotyne, has stalled the Ukrainian army's counter-offensive launched in June and its hopes of reaching the Sea of Azov.
The Critical Role of the U.S. in the Conflict
The ongoing U.S. involvement and financial support for Ukraine are vital to its defense against Russian aggression. While the effectiveness of the aid is debated, its continued provision is crucial for Ukraine's ability to slow Russian advances and engage in diplomatic negotiations to settle the conflict.
- Schumer and Zelenskyy stressed the necessity of swift aid to Ukraine, warning that any delay would benefit Putin.
- Biden cautioned the Republicans against delaying Ukraine aid, as it could embolden Putin to attack NATO countries.
- The Kremlin questioned the effectiveness of U.S. aid to Ukraine, despite the billions in military, economic, and humanitarian support.
- Vance dismissed Biden's warnings as "absurd," arguing against further funding without immigration concessions.
- Russian advances in the Zaporizhia region have stalled the Ukrainian army's counter-offensive, underscoring the importance of continuing U.S. support.
-[2](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-aid-to-ukraine-potentially-falls-short-kremlin-spokesman-2022-10-11)[3](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-14/us-continues-aid-to-ukraine-as-months-of-war-drag-on/101668006)[4](https://ukrainianweekly.com/2023/03/13/military-aid-to-ukraine-by-the-us/)[5](https://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2022/08/10/losing-ukraine-insights-russian-military-operations-or-neo-sovietism)
