Allies may pull back from Kiev support if US further delays aid: Kirby

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jan 2024 23:51
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President Joe Biden is fully aware that the actions of Washington are being closely observed by various nations, encompassing Russia and China, as well as allies of the US, the NSA spokesman said.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in Washington (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby expressed on Monday concerns that the prolonged delay in providing aid to Ukraine could prompt other nations to reconsider their support for Kiev.

"I think it’s entirely possible we should expect some of our allies and partners might have to make different decisions if they see American leadership falter here, or the United States pulls back from supporting Ukraine," Kirby said while answering reporters' inquiries.

Kirby went on to say that President Joe Biden is fully aware that the actions of Washington are being closely observed by various nations, encompassing Russia and China, as well as allies of the US.

Last month, Kirby said that the failure of Congress to support the White House's additional funding request for Ukraine could have a "disastrous" impact on the ability of US allies to support Ukraine.

"We're the biggest contributor of any country to Ukraine’s security and other economic needs. And if we just pull the plug, the effect that might have on other countries and their ability to support Ukraine could be well nigh disastrous, and it's a gift to Vladimir Putin," Kirby said at a press briefing.

He went on to say that the US cannot afford to lose the conflict in Ukraine, especially in light of Congress's lack of agreement to provide additional tens of billions of dollars to Kiev.

"President [Volodymyr] Zelensky’s top adviser said that without US support, there's a great risk that Ukraine could lose this war. The Ukrainian people certainly can't afford it, Europe can't afford that, and our own national security interests can't afford it," Kirby said.

For weeks, there have been negotiations between US Senators and Biden administration officials to finalize an agreement for providing the White House with over $100 billion in supplemental funds. This allocation is intended for Ukraine, "Israel", and other matters, including US border security.

Republican lawmakers have explicitly stated that their support for President Biden's supplemental request is contingent upon the inclusion of substantial policy changes aimed at halting the influx of migrants arriving at the US southern border.

Following a meeting with President Biden earlier this week, US House Speaker Mike Johnson conveyed to reporters his dissatisfaction with the current status quo regarding Ukraine, deeming it unacceptable.

Moreover, Johnson emphasized the necessity for a more transparent explanation from the Biden administration concerning its strategy in Ukraine, the endgame, and accountability for US funds. He added that, in his view, prioritizing US border security must take precedence.

As negotiations drag on, there has been talks about a potential government shutdown.

On January 5, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young, expressed a lack of optimism regarding the potential government shutdown later this month, Bloomberg reported.