Aid to Ukraine stands at critical point – US State Department
Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US Department of State, has stated during a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday that the issue of additional aid to Ukraine is at a critical point.
Source: US Department of State
Details: The official said the Pentagon has publicly stated that they have exhausted about 95% of its funds to provide crucial security assistance to Ukraine.
Miller also noted that he believes the House must approve additional requests for assistance.
The spokesman added that this is not only about funding security assistance for Ukraine and Israel but also about financing humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
Quote from Miller: "We think it is critically important both for their safety and well-being and for Israel’s long-term security interests."
Background:
- US President Joe Biden has been trying to persuade the US Congress to support aid to both Ukraine and Israel and to approve a new US$106 billion aid package, including over US$61 billion in funding to help Ukraine.
- However, Mike Johnson, the new Speaker of the US House of Representatives, is pushing for the aid packages for Ukraine and Israel to be considered separately by Congress, with the Ukrainian package being considered alongside the appropriations for border security with Mexico.
- The White House and the Senate criticised and rejected Johnson's draft bill to temporarily extend funding with different terms for different government agencies.
- On 14 November, Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, said the US’s ability to help Ukraine without a new large-scale aid package being approved by Congress is diminishing with each passing week.
- On 14 November, the US House of Representatives approved a two-stage temporary government funding bill with no funds to help Ukraine and Israel.
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