There is currently a heated debate in Washington about continued support for Ukraine. President Joe Biden has called on Republicans in Congress not to block the billions in funding he is asking for. Now, more than a hundred parliamentarians from European countries are calling in a joint letter for the release of urgently needed US financial aid.
The letter emphasizes, among other things: “Our shared commitment to freedom and democracy is at stake today.” US aid is ‘urgent’. The Ukrainian military is under great pressure and Ukraine’s survival as an independent nation is threatened. The letter was signed by representatives of at least seventeen countries, including Germany, France, Poland and Ireland. On the Austrian side, only NEOS MP Helmut Brandstätter signed.
“Real burden sharing between the transatlantic partners”
The letter, dated Monday, addressed demands from US Republicans and Democrats that Europe must do more to ensure its own security. It was said that the Europeans had collectively provided Ukraine with as much aid as the US. Defense spending in Europe has grown. “We advocate that our joint response to Russia’s war of aggression is also the beginning of real burden-sharing in the transatlantic partnership.”
Zelensky is expected in Washington for the third time
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected at the White House on Tuesday – for the third time in a year – to explain the threat to his country. Ukraine has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion for almost 22 months.
A year ago, Congress approved billions more in aid to Ukraine than US President Biden requested. Since the end of February 2022, more than $40 billion in military aid has flowed into the defense campaign alone. Now there is no money left at all for the time being. Biden’s Democrats have now lost the majority in one of the two chambers of parliament, the House of Representatives, to the Republicans. In order to agree to further aid, they are also demanding concessions in protecting the southern border.
Zelensky’s war goal is far away
The mood has also changed in Ukraine. Unlike a year ago, pessimism is spreading in Kiev. The summer offensive was not successful. Instead, Zelensky ordered a greater expansion of the defense lines. In the east of the country, Russian troops launched attacks on large parts of the front, according to statements from the Ukrainian military leadership. Zelensky’s stated war aim of recapturing all areas within the 1991 borders is far away.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
