U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that Washington could be held responsible for Ukraine's defeat if Congress fails to approve a new aid package urgently requested by the Biden administration.
Yellen stressed this during a speech before reporters while on a visit to Mexico City. The Biden administration has requested Congress to expedite the approval of an urgent request for $106 billion in funding. According to the treasury secretary, the aid package is a critical precondition for ensuring that the International Monetary Fund continues to provide uninterrupted financial aid to Ukraine.
"I think they understand this, that this is a dire situation, and we can hold ourselves responsible for Ukraine's defeat if we don't manage to get this funding to Ukraine that's needed," said Yellen, underscoring the severity of the situation and the necessity of this aid package. This financial support is crucial for the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, as well as addressing broader security concerns. (Related: Ukraine must brace for loss of US support – ex-ambassador.)
The urgency of her message echoed concerns by Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian official warned of a "big risk" of losing the war against Russia if the U.S. delays military aid to Ukraine.
Speaking at the U.S. Institute for Peace during a visit to Washington, D.C., Yermak emphasized the critical importance of Congress promptly approving additional aid to prevent setbacks in Ukraine's efforts to liberate captured territories. He expressed concern that postponing support might lead to a situation where Ukraine remains in its current challenging position.
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However, some observers interpret these statements as part of an early blame-game strategy.
Yermak's statements hint at the possibility of assigning responsibility to Washington for any future setbacks, potentially positioning Kyiv to negotiate and consider territorial concessions. Yellen's echoing of these sentiments adds weight to the narrative of shared responsibility in the face of complex geopolitical challenges.
Despite substantial support from the U.S., Ukrainian forces have faced considerable challenges, with top U.S. officials acknowledging the stalled counteroffensive.
Congress debates $111 billion package – with $61 billion for Kyiv
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have been debating a $111 billion supplemental spending package that would include $61 billion for Kyiv. However, congressional leaders have received a letter from Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, warning that resources allocated to Kyiv are running out.
She said the Department of Defense had spent 97 percent of the $62.3 billion it received this year for Ukraine by mid-November. Also used up are funds allocated to the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
In response, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said Republican support for the bill would require setting aside money for securing the U.S.-Mexico border against uncontrolled migration. He also emphasized the GOP's position in October regarding concerns about alleged corruption within Ukraine and misuse of U.S.-provided funds. Because of this, the Louisiana congressman demanded a "full accounting of how prior U.S. military and humanitarian aid" to Ukraine was spent.
Earlier, Zelensky called of a meeting with senators and officials of the executive branch in which he was supposed to appeal for more money. Washington has given Kyiv almost $75 billion in combined funding over nearly two years of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Moscow considers its conflict with Ukraine as a proxy war in which Ukrainians die as "cannon fodder" to serve foreign interests. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, around 125,000 have died since Kyiv began its counteroffensive in the summer.
Visit UkraineWitness.com for more stories about Ukraine's demands for more aid money.
Watch this video about the Ukrainian army going on the defensive.
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