US Congress will not approve any new Ukraine aid this year
Schumer and McConnell explained that the negotiators from Congress and the government would continue to work on outstanding issues in the coming days. The hope is that action can then be taken "quickly" at the beginning of next year.
The failure to reach an agreement on new aid for Ukraine before the end of the year comes as no surprise, but is a symbolically heavy blow for Ukraine. Especially as President Volodymyr Zelensky personally appealed for new aid during a visit to Washington last week.
In October, US President Joe Biden asked Congress for new aid for Kiev amounting to around 61 billion dollars (just under 56 billion euros). However, some opposition Republicans are opposed to this, even though Republican Senate Minority Leader McConnell is in favor of new aid. The conservatives can block further funds for Ukraine with their majority in the House of Representatives and their blocking minority in the Senate.
The Senate had postponed its winter recess due to the negotiations on new military aid in order to gain more time for negotiations. However, the House of Representatives, where there is particularly strong Republican opposition to the aid, has already left for its winter break.
The USA is Kiev's most important supporter in the war against the Russian invasion forces. Since the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022, the USA has provided or pledged more than 44 billion dollars in military aid to Ukraine. A prolonged US default would have serious consequences for Kiev. The western allies of the USA and Ukraine are therefore looking to Washington with concern.
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- Despite the opposition from some Republicans, Senator McConnell has expressed his support for providing new aid to Ukraine, but this decision requires approval from the US Congress.
- This year, Ukraine will have to rely on the previously approved aid as the US Congress has decided not to approve any new funds before the end of 2022.
- The upcoming negotiations between Congress and the government aim to find a compromise on the outstanding issues, with the hope to present a new proposal for Ukraine aid at the beginning of the New Year.
- No matter the outcome of these negotiations, this year becomes a significant test for the relations between Ukraine and the USA, as well as for Volodymyr Selensky's government.
- The uncertainty surrounding the new Ukraine aid has raised concerns among Ukraine's western allies, who are closely monitoring the US Congress' discussions.
- Neither the Russians nor Ukraine-aid opponents in the USA Congress can claim victory, as this year's failure to secure further aid raises questions about the commitment of Western allies.
- While President Zelensky may have to wait until next year to secure new Ukraine aid from the USA, the strong support from the Republicans such as McConnell offers potential for future cooperation between Washington and Kiev.
Source: www.stern.de
