Biden Seeks to Affirm Ongoing U.S. Commitment to Ukraine Following Congressional Omission of Financial Aid

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden engaged in a dialogue with key allies and international partners to discuss subsequent aid measures for Ukraine. This came after Congress approved, and he subsequently endorsed, a government funding bill that notably excluded his request for multiple billions in aid for Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression. The White House confirmed that the discussion took place, although specific details were not disclosed.

Polish President Andrzej Duda later revealed that Biden reiterated America’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, expressing a strong belief that the U.S. Congress will ultimately offer its support. During a press briefing in Kielce, Poland, Duda stated, “The focal point of the conversation was Ukraine’s situation. President Biden initiated the dialogue by providing insights into the American stance and the broader political context surrounding Ukraine. He affirmed that Congress is likely to back ongoing military assistance for Ukraine.”

Duda also commented that Biden emphasized that the U.S. Congressional support for Ukraine is more robust than what has been generally portrayed in the media. Furthermore, Biden urged the gathered leaders to sustain their support for Ukraine, receiving assurances from all in attendance.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg communicated via social media that the conversation among NATO leaders, hosted by the U.S. President, was productive. “In the face of Russia’s sustained hostilities, our commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast,” Stoltenberg declared.

Also participating in the conference call alongside Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken were heads of state and representatives from Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Romania, the United Kingdom, the European Commission, and the European Council. France’s foreign minister represented his country in lieu of President Emmanuel Macron, who was unavailable due to prior commitments.

British and Italian officials reiterated their countries’ continuous support for Ukraine, which has been grappling with Russia’s military intrusion for nearly 20 months. Additionally, the leaders broached the topic of Ukraine’s reconstruction plans, highlighting the need for immediate preparatory work.

Just days prior, President Biden had endeavored to publicly assure allies of the United States’ sustained financial backing of Ukraine in its efforts to repel Russian military advances. He did, however, issue a caveat about the diminishing timeframe for Congressional negotiations regarding a new financial aid package.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has commenced procedural steps to consider supplementary aid for Ukraine. On the other hand, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy faces an uphill battle in honoring his commitment, especially in light of mounting GOP resistance. McCarthy recently indicated that he would support the linking of new aid for Ukraine to bolstering security measures along the U.S.-Mexican border.

This legislative backdrop signals a subtle yet significant shift in the traditionally staunch U.S. support for Ukraine, epitomizing the Republican Party’s gradual tilt toward a more isolationist policy stance.

Just over a week ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged with U.S. lawmakers, emphasizing the urgency for additional aid. A House vote last week revealed emerging divisions, as nearly half of the Republican representatives voted against a defense bill that included $300 million for Ukrainian military training and weaponry. Although the funds were later approved separately, those opposed to supporting Ukraine took the vote as a sign of their growing influence.

In sum, the U.S. has sanctioned four separate tranches of aid for Ukraine in reaction to the Russian incursion, amounting to approximately $113 billion. President Biden had called for an additional $24 billion in aid this past August.

—-

Contributions to this report were made by Monika Scislowska, a journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about U.S. support for Ukraine

More about U.S. support for Ukraine

• U.S. Congress Passes Government Funding Bill
• President Biden’s Public Comments on Ukraine Aid
• NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s Statement on Ukraine
• Previous U.S. Financial Aid to Ukraine
• Chuck Schumer Initiates Procedure for Additional Ukraine Aid
• Kevin McCarthy’s Stance on Ukraine Aid and U.S.-Mexico Border Security
• Overview of Republican Resistance to Ukraine Aid in Congress
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Capitol Hill Meeting
• The Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy Towards Ukraine