WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to speak to the US Senate today, coinciding with the White House’s urgent call for Congress to approve new funding to aid Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed the invitation for Zelenskyy to speak via video during a classified briefing, emphasizing the importance of hearing directly from him about the imminent stakes tied to the lawmakers’ upcoming vote on a bill encompassing substantial aid for Ukraine.
Concerns over the financial resources available for providing weaponry and support to Ukraine were raised by Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young in a letter addressed to congressional leaders. Young cautioned that by year-end, the U.S. might lack the means to continue sending crucial assistance, highlighting the imminent inability of Ukraine to sustain its defense efforts without aid.
The Biden administration had previously sought nearly $106 billion from Congress for comprehensive plans concerning Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security. Yet, the allocation of funds for Ukraine has sparked political contention, especially among some conservative lawmakers in the closely divided Republican-controlled Congress.
Despite the controversy, Young emphasized in the White House-released letter that halting funding and the supply of arms to Ukraine would likely favour Russia on the battlefield. She underscored the urgency of congressional action, asserting the imminent depletion of resources for procuring weaponry and equipment, stressing that no additional funding sources exist to address this pressing situation. She concluded by highlighting the critical shortage of both funds and time.
