The House of Representatives passed a $61 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, which also includes additional aid for Israel and Taiwan. The bill is expected to be approved by the Democratic-majority Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the bill, stating that it will help prevent the war from expanding and save lives. However, he urged the Senate to pass the bill quickly to minimize the delay in sending aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine is in urgent need of air defense systems, artillery, and ammunition to combat Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine. Defense analysts emphasize the importance of sending aid to Ukraine immediately to support its military campaign. While the funding could boost morale and breathe new life into Ukraine’s forces, analysts warn that Ukrainian forces may face setbacks while waiting for assistance from the US.
The immediate priority for Ukraine is to replenish artillery, air defense systems, and missiles that have been depleted by recent Russian airstrikes. The Pentagon has pre-prepared some military hardware for donation to Ukraine to minimize delivery time, although it may not create immediate parity with Russian military firepower. Analysts note that while the latest aid package will bolster Ukrainian spirits and military operations, long-term funding beyond 2025 remains uncertain.
There are doubts about the continuation of US aid for Ukraine under a second term for former President Donald Trump, who has made ambiguous statements regarding Ukraine. Timothy Ash suggests using frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine. He emphasizes that Ukraine requires significant funding for its victory in the war and successful reconstruction, which can only be assured if Western countries allocate immobilized assets to Ukraine.
Senior Western defense officials have highlighted Ukraine’s shortages of artillery and ammunition in the east of the country. Troops have resorted to rationing the use of shells, while Russia fires five artillery shells for every one fired by Ukrainian forces. The mismatch in weaponry and manpower in eastern Ukraine has allowed Russian forces to make gains, with a bid to occupy the entire Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
Russia has criticized the US aid package for Ukraine, claiming it will lead to more deaths in the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that the aid would ruin Ukraine and result in more casualties. Russian officials have expressed disdain for the aid package, with first deputy permanent representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky stating that the end of the Kyiv regime is inevitable regardless of the aid. Despite this opposition, the aid package remains a critical lifeline for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
