UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron Urges US Congress to Approve Ukraine Assistance Package
UK's Foreign Secretary David Cameron urges US Congress to swiftly pass crucial aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to bolster morale and support Kyiv amidst partisan disputes
During a visit to Washington, DC, on Thursday, former British Prime Minister and current Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged US lawmakers to pass an aid package for Kyiv, emphasizing the importance of lifting the morale of Ukraine, which is entangled in Republican quarrelling. Cameron emphasized the US as the "lynchpin" of the Western coalition supporting Ukraine's resistance against Russia.
The day after Republicans in the Senate blocked foreign aid from moving forward in protest over the lack of changes to border and immigration policy, Cameron intervened. "Most of the people I spoke with on the Hill yesterday support supporting Ukraine, because it's the right thing to do," he told CNN. He declined to comment on the Republicans' demands on immigration, but emphasized the importance of investing in Ukraine's success and preventing Putin from gaining a foothold in the country.
The Senate has grappled for weeks with the intertwining of immigration and border security policy - a historically divisive issue in Congress - with a legislative package for providing aid to key US allies, including Israel and Ukraine.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, addressed the media on the two-year anniversary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act at a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on November 15, 2023. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Senate deadlock over border policy remains a threat to aid for Ukraine and Israel, as Republicans' demands for policy changes have escalated tension on Capitol Hill, culminating in a heated closed-door shouting match during a classified briefing earlier this week.
Cameron engaged in a two-day effort to strengthen support for Ukraine, meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and planning to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday. He expressed confidence that the US aid package would boost Ukrainian morale and encourage Europe to increase its support. Cameron also emphasized the importance of European nations' contributions, stating that they are currently doing more than the US, which he believes is both significant and justified.
Cameron served as Britain's prime minister for six years until his resignation in 2016 following the country's decision to leave the European Union, a decision he opposed. Recently, he made a surprising return to politics by accepting the position of foreign secretary.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Britain has played a prominent role in offering support and aid to Kyiv.
The UK has provided Ukraine with £9.3 billion ($11.7 billion) in military, humanitarian, and economic support since the start of the war, it was announced this week. However, tensions among Republicans in Washington regarding ongoing military aid could potentially strain Ukraine's Western alliance.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden called on Congress to prioritize resolving negotiations regarding the future of Ukraine funding, emphasizing that "petty partisan politics should not hinder" aid for Kyiv. He warned that those who neglect the cause of freedom will be harshly judged by history, stating, "We cannot allow Putin to emerge victorious."
Support for Israel
Biden's proposed aid package allocates $60 billion for Ukraine's defense against Russia, additional funding for Israel's conflict with Hamas, support for Taiwan's security, and resources for operations at the US-Mexico border. Some Republicans are hesitant to approve more aid for Ukraine, citing the $111 billion already allocated, and are calling for any further funding to be contingent on significant immigration policy changes.
Cameron reaffirmed British support for Israel following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, but also urged Israel to adhere to international law in its response. He supported comments made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who stated on CNN that Israel is implementing measures to better protect civilians during its offensive in southern Gaza.
Cameron noted that Blinken, whom he is scheduled to meet on Thursday, emphasized Israel's efforts to behave differently in the south of Gaza compared to the north, and expressed support for continuing to communicate those points to Israel.
Cameron emphasized that Israel's long-term security is not only reliant on their own military might, but also on the ability of Palestinians to live in peace and security. This comes amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli attacks have resulted in displacement, urgent food and supply needs, and a lack of medical care for Palestinians.
During his initial weeks as foreign secretary, Cameron traveled to Israel and Ukraine. Despite pressure to seek an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, he emphasized to CNN the importance of not leaving Hamas in control of any part of Gaza, arguing that doing so would hinder hopes for a two-state solution due to the threat posed by a group with hostile intentions towards Israel. Contributions to this report were made by CNN's Michael Williams, Betsy Klein, Priscilla Alvarez, and Lauren Fox.
