Lack of US funding has already affected Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion – security advisor
To prevent serious consequences for the Ukrainian defense, the United States Congress must promptly approve the White House's request for assistance to Ukraine.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated this during the press briefing, the European Pravda reports.
Sullivan stressed during a briefing that the lack of funding from the US had already affected Ukraine's ability to defend itself against a full-fledged Russian invasion.
While the United States can still provide the military assistance requested by Ukraine, Sullivan highlighted that full funding would ensure the consistency and effectiveness of this support.
"With each passing week, our ability to fully fund what we believe is necessary to provide Ukraine with the tools and capabilities it needs to defend its territory and continue advancing forward becomes increasingly challenging," Sullivan said. "So, the window of opportunities for us is closing… This is already impacting our ability to provide Ukraine with everything it needs, and over time, this impact will only intensify."
Background
On October 20, the White House requested Congress nearly $106 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and other priority areas.
The request for Ukraine includes $61.4 billion, specifically $44.4 billion for Pentagon equipment supplies, replenishing arms stocks, and other military support.
According to this request, a portion of the funds is intended for additional armament and equipment, as well as replenishing the US Department of Defense reserves spent on supporting Ukrainians.
New Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, insists that Congress consider aid packages to Ukraine and Israel separately, and the "Ukrainian" package be reviewed along with grants for border security with Mexico.
On November 7, Democratic representatives in the US Senate blocked a Republican attempt to quickly approve an emergency aid bill for Israel that did not include support for Ukraine.
The EU's chief diplomat, Joseph Borrell, acknowledged that US assistance to Ukraine might further decrease, so EU countries must be politically prepared to continue supporting Ukraine against this backdrop.
