Ukraine's essential support is currently caught up in the intricacies of American politics, causing worry among Ukrainian leaders about the potential consequences if they are left to tackle their challenges alone.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised the alarm, emphasizing that Ukraine could be in a perilous position without assistance from Western nations. Zelensky has warned of a looming "big crisis," not only for Ukraine but for neighboring countries as well.
Ukraine's Rising Vulnerability with Fading Western Support
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses media after bilateral talks with Swiss President in Kehrsatz near Bern, Switzerland, on January 15, 2024. Zelensky will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos starting on January 16, 2024.
During a briefing at Davos on January 17, President Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's vulnerability if Western support diminishes. In response to a question, he stated, "Without the help of the United States, without the help of the EU, Ukraine will fight, but it will be weaker, and this will be an opportunity for Russia to capture us."
The consequences of reduced assistance are multifaceted. Ukraine would experience a shortfall in artillery, coupled with a scarcity of missiles for air defense, rendering them unable to counter Russian aggression effectively. This, in turn, could lead to a surge in casualties and injuries resulting from Russian air strikes.
Zelensky underscored the significance of air defense systems, which have played a pivotal role in preventing blackouts and ensuring the provision of essential services to homes, hospitals, schools, and kindergartens.
Expressing concern for the broader European region, Zelensky warned that a cessation of aid could trigger a crisis, as Russia might extend its aggression to NATO countries following the seizure of Ukraine. He stated, "I believe, to be honest, that Putin really wants this," according to Yahoo News.
US Funding, Defense Crisis
The United States, as a key ally, announced its most recent military aid package of $250 million on December 27. However, efforts to secure additional funding have faced obstacles. A Senate bill proposing approximately $106 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan failed a procedural vote on December 6, with Republicans seeking stricter migration policies as a condition for approval.
Reports indicate that the US Department of Defense could run out of funds for purchasing new weapons to replace equipment sent to Ukraine by December 30. Further complicating the situation, US House Speaker Mike Johnson's stance on a border security agreement threatens to impede aid to Ukraine.
As the political impasse persists, the window for securing support narrows. Without firm commitments by February, when EU leaders convene to decide on aid, and with no funds arriving by March, the progress Ukraine has made against inflation and efforts to maintain societal resilience against Russia's influence could be jeopardized.
The urgency of the situation was palpable during a meeting between US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Blinken affirmed the determination to sustain support for Ukraine, emphasizing collaborative efforts with Congress and European counterparts. The fate of this critical aid now hangs in the balance, with potential consequences reaching far beyond Ukraine's borders, Associated Press reported.
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