US National Security Adviser Optimistic About Passing More Ukraine Aid in Congress
Amidst ongoing delays, the US national security adviser remains hopeful for the approval of supplementary military assistance for Ukraine by the House of Representatives. Despite facing obstacles in Congress, a timeline for the aid's passage remains uncertain.
During his recent trip to Kyiv, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed optimism that the US House of Representatives will eventually support providing more military aid to Ukraine. This aid has been held up in Congress for months, but Sullivan remains hopeful it will be approved.
While speaking to reporters with Andriy Yermak, who serves as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s head of office, Sullivan could not give a specific timeline for when he expects the aid package to be passed.
We expect to receive strong bipartisan support in the House for a Ukraine assistance package and to quickly distribute the funds. It has been a slow process so far, but I cannot predict when exactly this will be finalized.
The US Senate recently passed a bill for $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has not brought it to a vote. Talks in Congress are now centered on potentially approving some aid as a loan to garner backing from House Republicans.
Political gridlock in Washington has come at a time when Russia has made its biggest advances on the battlefield in nine months. This includes taking over the industrial town of Avdiivka, which Russian forces had been relentlessly targeting for months.
Despite these developments, Biden's top official on Ukraine urged the country to not lose faith in the United States.
Believe in the United States. We are here to offer substantial support and will keep doing so in every possible way.
President Biden is actively advocating for the aid package on a daily basis.
Sullivan also meet Zelensky to discuss the “urgent need” for Congress to pass the bill, said National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
CNN
Related article
Yermak emphasized that there were no disagreements between Washington and Kyiv, despite the delay in aid. He also mentioned that he understood the efforts made by the US president to approve the funding.
Yermak encouraged those who doubted Ukraine's ability to win the war to visit the country and witness the energy and resilience of its people. He emphasized that they are fighting for what is right.
Sullivan's visit occurred shortly after the White House announced $300 million in military aid, the first of its kind this year. President Biden acknowledged that this aid was insufficient to fully support Ukraine.
Funding was unexpectedly made available by cost savings at the Department of Defense, according to Sullivan last week. This allowed for the transfer of artillery ammunition and air defenses to Ukraine.
When asked if any future weapons transfers would include longer range ATACMs that can reach up to 300 kms, Sullivan did not provide a direct answer. He only mentioned that both sides had positive discussions about the capabilities that Ukraine needs.
The US started providing an older, shorter-range model of the ATACMs to Ukraine in the latter part of last year, despite Ukraine's earlier requests during the beginning of the war.
Recent news articles have indicated that the Biden administration is considering supplying Ukraine with a more advanced version of the missile system. This upgrade would enable Ukraine to extend its reach deeper into Crimea, which was unlawfully annexed by Russia in 2014.
Editor's P/S:
The delay in providing military aid to Ukraine by the US House of Representatives is a cause for concern. While US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan remains optimistic about its eventual approval, the ongoing political gridlock in Washington is hindering the timely delivery of much-needed support to Ukraine. The Russian forces' recent advances on the battlefield underscore the urgency of this aid, and the US must expedite its decision-making process to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary resources to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Sullivan's visit to Kyiv and his discussions with President Zelensky highlight the importance of bipartisan support for the aid package. The efforts of President Biden to advocate for its approval should be commended, and the House must prioritize the needs of Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. The US has a moral obligation to provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. By working together and putting aside partisan differences, the US can demonstrate its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom and democracy. invasion.
