In a significant phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Joe Biden linked the distressing withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the critical town of Avdiivka directly to the U.S. Congress’ failure to pass additional aid for Ukraine. This lapse has forced Ukrainian soldiers into a precarious position, rationing ammunition amidst dwindling supplies, culminating in a notable Russian advance for the first time in months. This development underscores the dire need for Congress to act swiftly and pass the national security supplemental funding bill to bolster Ukrainian forces.
Quick Read
- President Joe Biden, during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attributed Ukraine’s retreat from Avdiivka to the U.S. Congress’s failure to approve further aid, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops who are now rationing ammunition due to limited supplies.
- This conversation highlights the urgent need for additional U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly in the wake of intense conflicts in Avdiivka and the passing of Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, emphasizing America’s role in global leadership and its commitment to supporting its allies.
- Despite the Senate’s approval of a significant $95.3 billion foreign aid package, which includes crucial support for Ukraine, the bill’s advancement is stalled by GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson’s hesitation to present it for a vote, along with the House being on a recess, raising concerns about the U.S.’s dependability as a reliable ally amid Ukraine’s growing needs.
- Vice President Kamala Harris reinforced Biden’s stance on the necessity of passing the aid package for Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference, highlighting the U.S.’s commitment to stand by Ukraine against unwarranted aggression and the inappropriateness of political games in such critical matters.
- The ongoing delay in Congressional action and the House’s break have tangible adverse effects on Ukraine’s situation on the battlefield. Biden’s critique of the U.S.’s inaction, despite Ukraine’s valiant efforts, calls for a moral and ethical response from Congress to provide the much-needed support to Ukraine, aligning with American values and responsibilities as an ally.
The Associated Press has the story:
Biden blames ‘Congressional inaction’ for Ukrainian retreat from a key town
Newslooks- WASHINGTON- (AP)
In a significant phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Joe Biden linked the distressing withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the critical town of Avdiivka directly to the U.S. Congress’ failure to pass additional aid for Ukraine. This lapse has forced Ukrainian soldiers into a precarious position, rationing ammunition amidst dwindling supplies, culminating in a notable Russian advance for the first time in months. This development underscores the dire need for Congress to act swiftly and pass the national security supplemental funding bill to bolster Ukrainian forces.
The call between Biden and Zelensky, set against the backdrop of the U.S.’s renewed efforts to assert its global leadership, brings to the fore the urgent requirement for further aid to Ukraine, especially in light of the fierce battles in Avdiivka and the somber news of Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny’s death. Biden’s candid remarks later that day in Delaware, criticizing the lack of U.S. aid to the valiant Ukrainian fighters, highlight a moral and ethical responsibility that the U.S. must uphold.
Despite the Senate’s bipartisan support for a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, including substantial support for Ukraine, the bill’s progression is hindered by GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson‘s reluctance to bring it to the floor, coupled with the House’s current recess. This stagnation in Congress is not only concerning for the U.S. but also reflects poorly on its reliability as a steadfast ally, especially at a time when Ukraine faces escalating pressures and ammunition shortages on the eastern front.
Vice President Kamala Harris, echoing Biden’s sentiments, also emphasized the critical nature of passing additional aid for Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference. Her remarks, alongside Zelensky’s plea for continued U.S. support, underscore the pivotal role of the U.S. in backing Ukraine against unprovoked aggression. It’s clear that political maneuvering should not hinder the essential support that Ukraine desperately needs.
The current Congressional inaction and the House’s two-week recess are not just procedural delays but are having real, detrimental effects on the ground in Ukraine. As Biden aptly pointed out, the idea of the U.S. stepping back while Ukraine depletes its ammunition reserves is not only absurd but also contrary to the values the U.S. stands for. It’s high time for Congress to step up and fulfill its duty, not just as a matter of national security, but as a moral imperative to support an ally in its time of need.
