Ukraine is banking on securing stalled U.S. military assistance for its ongoing conflict with Russia and is optimistic about gaining approval from the U.S. Congress, according to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
In an interview with CNN, Kuleba emphasized that Ukraine doesn’t have an alternative strategy in place (Plan B) and is wholly reliant on their primary approach (Plan A). He stressed that Ukraine views the aid it receives as an essential investment, rather than charity, which contributes to both NATO’s protection and the prosperity of the American people.
Kuleba also expressed concerns about the potential consequences if Russia were to emerge victorious in the 22-month-long conflict. He warned that such an outcome might embolden other leaders to follow Russia’s path, ultimately necessitating a much higher cost for the United States to ensure security in the region.
Additionally, Kuleba criticized officials who believed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would refrain from attacking a NATO member state if Russia succeeded in Ukraine. He asserted that such beliefs were misguided and urged those holding such views to reconsider their positions.
The U.S. administration has requested an additional $61 billion in support for Ukraine, but this proposal has faced obstacles in the U.S. Congress. Republican lawmakers have insisted on tying this aid package to stricter immigration controls along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Independent U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona, a border state, revealed progress in bipartisan negotiations regarding border security. These discussions could potentially lead to a combined emergency aid package for Ukraine and Israel. However, uncertainties remain regarding the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which has been pushing for Senate approval of a comprehensive immigration and border security bill passed last year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited Washington in an effort to persuade Congress to approve the $61 billion aid package, underscoring the importance of this assistance to Ukraine’s ongoing struggle.
