Bad news for Kiev: US Senate leaders say no aid before year's end

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Dec 2023 05:58

The announcement marked another setback for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose government has warned of the "dire need" for weapons ahead of winter.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C), accompanied by US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (R) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (L), arrives to meet with members of the US Senate on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

The Democratic and Republican leaders of the US Senate confirmed on Tuesday that Washington will not be able to approve new aid for Ukraine before the year's end, as the two sides continue to seek a compromise.

"As negotiators work through remaining issues, it is our hope that their efforts will allow the Senate to take swift action... early in the new year," Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Mitch McConnell said in a joint statement.

"In the time remaining this year, Senate and Administration negotiators will continue to work in good faith toward finalizing their agreement."

"Challenging issues remain, but we are committed to addressing needs at the southern border and to helping allies and partners confront serious threats in Israel, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. The Senate will not let these national security challenges go unanswered," the statement read.

The announcement from Capitol Hill marked another setback for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose government has warned of the "dire need" for weapons ahead of winter.

Zelensky flew to Washington in mid-December -- his third trip to the US capital in a year -- to lobby for the aid. He remained hopeful, saying at a press conference Tuesday that the United States "will not betray" his country.

Republicans in particular have made their support for the new aid package conditional on a tightening of US immigration policy. The failure of Congress to approve this package does not mean the end of US support for Kiev.

US lawmakers return to work on January 8, and Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate have stated their intention to approve the package.

It is in the lower House, which must also approve the aid package, where things get complicated. New House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, is not opposed in principle to extending US aid, but considers that there is a lack of oversight.

What the Biden administration seems to want are "billions of additional dollars with no appropriate oversight, with no clear strategy to win, and none of the answers that I think the American people are owed," Johnson said after his interview with Zelensky on Tuesday.