Ukraine’s War Effort at Risk as US and EU Delay Financial Support : Analysis

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has expressed his desire for funding and support from both the United States and the European Union (EU). Zelenskyy requested $61.4 billion in funding from the US for Ukraine’s war efforts in the upcoming year, as well as $20.5 billion from the EU and an invitation to start membership talks. However, it appears that Zelenskyy may not receive any of his wishes.

The director of the Office of Management and Budget at the White House, Shalanda D. Young, wrote a letter to Congress stating that 97% of the approved funding for Ukraine has already been spent. Without additional congressional action, Ukraine will run out of resources to procure weapons and equipment and support its military forces. Cutting funding would have severe consequences, potentially putting Ukraine in a defensive position and compromising its ability to defend itself.

In addition to the challenges in securing US funding, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote to European Council President Charles Michel, expressing doubts about the feasibility of approving Ukraine’s funding or issuing an invitation to start membership talks at the upcoming EU Summit. Orban believes that there is a lack of consensus among EU member states and that deciding on these matters in December would lead to failure.

Both the US and EU funding packages need to be approved this month in order to come into effect next year and provide necessary support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has already signed a 70% increase in the country’s defense and security spending for next year, allocating $157.5 billion, which represents almost 40% of the entire Russian budget.

Ukraine’s presidential adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, emphasized the importance of continued military assistance, stating that any discussion about the necessity of such aid should consider the catastrophic alternative of a frozen conflict. He highlighted the ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia and the Russian Federation’s attempt to undermine Ukraine’s agency.

The article also touches on other national security measures that have yet to be approved by the Republican-led House, including the US defense budget, military promotions, and vital powers related to intercepting signals intelligence. Republicans are aiming to negotiate on various issues aligned with their social and libertarian agenda in exchange for supporting national security and foreign policy measures.

The impact of fake news and political bias on public perception is a significant consideration in evaluating the reliability of this article. The sources cited are reputable, including Al Jazeera and The Washington Post, which adds credibility to the information presented. However, as with any news article, biases may still exist, and it is essential to critically analyze the information provided.

Overall, the article provides essential information about the challenges faced by Ukraine in securing funding and support from the United States and the European Union. It highlights the potential implications of funding cuts for Ukraine’s military efforts and emphasizes the geopolitical complexities surrounding the issue. However, it is crucial to further investigate and consider multiple perspectives when evaluating the reliability and nuances of this topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: Ukraine’s war effort could sputter out, as US, EU delay funds