Ukraine’s prospects for victory over Russia depend on the outcome of a partisan battle taking place on Capitol Hill this week, according to top Ukrainian and U.S. officials. Both Kyiv and the Biden administration are urging skeptical Republicans to support another round of aid for Ukraine before it’s too late. A top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington to appeal to lawmakers to back the administration’s $106 billion aid package, which includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine. However, Senate Republicans are insisting on securing the southern border before considering the bill, and House Republicans are demanding a more secure U.S.-Mexico border. The fate of the aid package appears grim as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
The situation has become even more scrambled as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy scheduled and then abruptly canceled a virtual session with senators to make a final plea for aid. House Republicans have not budged from their position since President Biden introduced the spending plan over a month ago. House Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated in a letter to White House officials that his caucus believes a full, detailed explanation of how Ukraine will achieve victory over Russia is necessary. The bill faces an uphill battle in Congress, and without more funding, the U.S. will run out of money for Ukraine by the end of the month.
Analysts say the Western aid has been damaging to Russia’s war efforts, with estimates of thousands of Russian troops and mercenaries killed, as well as significant losses in military equipment. The war has become a drain on Russia’s treasury and a setback for its commercial sector. European nations, such as Britain and the Netherlands, have pledged continued support to Ukraine, but some lawmakers argue that the U.S.’s contribution is irreplaceable. The White House has warned that time is running out, and Congress must decide whether to continue supporting Ukraine or let Russian President Vladimir Putin prevail.
Congressional Republicans have raised concerns about the Biden administration’s “blank check” for Ukraine, questioning the country’s use of assistance and possible corruption in arms procurement. Ukrainian forces have made only minor gains this year and are reportedly rationing artillery shells and equipment. The funding proposal also includes aid for Israel, border security, defense of Taiwan, and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Despite growing warnings, House Republicans have shown little sign of backing down, emphasizing the need for transformative change at the U.S.-Mexico border and a clear definition of victory for Ukraine.