During an online briefing on Friday, Kirby again called on Congress to authorize the necessary funding to continue aid to Ukraine. As he noted, this is necessary before the end of this calendar year, because “after this date, it will be very difficult to provide assistance to the Ukrainians at the level they need.”
“We need this support immediately so that we can provide assistance to them without interruption,” he explained. He also noted that because of Parliament’s delay, the administration has already been forced to limit the amount of arms packages being sent to Ukraine.
Billions of dollars are at stake. However, there is no draft law yet
The administration is asking for an additional $61 billion, including nearly $12 billion for the Ukrainian budget (Washington’s financial aid ended at the end of September) and military aid. It will be part of a broader package that also includes support for Israel, Taiwan and border strengthening.
Despite pressure from management, Both houses of Congress have yet to introduce the bill, and the debate over tightening immigration and asylum policy demanded by Republicans is currently a major obstacle. Republicans also want to cut spending.
Kirby also rejected suggestions from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who told The Associated Press in an interview that there was insufficient support for the failed Ukrainian offensive in the fall.
Kirby noted that Ukraine got what it needed, and each weapons package was coordinated with representatives from Kiev. Still, he admitted, “it’s hard to blame President Zelensky for wanting more weapons to stop this invasion.”
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