The White House warned this Monday that the United States only has funds for one more aid package for Ukraine this year, while the US Congress continues to block new military support for Kyiv.
“We only have one envelope of aid left” before the funds allocated to Ukraine run out, said John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council.
The official declined to specify the amount of the new aid package, which is expected in December.
The US Congress has allocated more than $110 billion (€100 billion at current exchange rates) since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, but congressional Republicans are blocking a major aid package, demanding major changes to US immigration policy. including stricter measures on the border with Mexico.
Days before Congress adjourned, lawmakers approved the 2024 defense budget, freeing up $300 million (€247 million) for Kiev, a minimal amount compared with the $61 billion (€56,000 million) requested by the White House.
Kirby called on Congress to “act urgently” to avoid cutting off humanitarian aid supplies: “This is clearly in our national interest, and our assistance is necessary to ensure Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom.”
President Joe Biden is “ready to negotiate in good faith and with commitment,” Kirby also assured, noting that the North American executive is negotiating with members of Congress about border security and funding for Ukraine and Israel.
The so-called National Defense Authorization Act, worth the equivalent of 805.8 billion euros, which applies to the current fiscal year, which began on October 1, was approved on Thursday in the House of Representatives (lower house), after receiving the green light from the Senate in Wednesday.
The initiative was approved after months of intense negotiations between Democrats and Republicans.
The budget includes a 5.2% pay increase for military personnel, as well as providing needed funding for various Pentagon programs.
Among them is $11.5 billion (10.4 billion euros) to combat Beijing’s influence in the South China Sea.
However, most military aid to Kyiv remains blocked in Congress, where Republicans have blocked Biden’s emergency budget package.
The package costs $106 billion (€96.4 billion) and includes $61 billion (€55.4 billion) for Ukraine and $15 billion (€13.6 billion) for Israel, but Republicans are calling for more restrictive immigration policies in exchange for his approval.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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