McCarthy could influence end of Ukraine conflict: Russian official

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
7 Jan 20:54

A Russian official says Republicans now have a chance to block the uncontrolled flow of money to Ukraine and influence the end of the war.

Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Relations (Russian Duma)

Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Relations, considered that the election of Republican Kevin McCarthy as US House of Representatives Speaker is a good opportunity for Republicans to influence the end of the war in Ukraine.

The US House of Representatives elected McCarthy as speaker after 15 rounds of votes this week, ending a four-day deadlock that stalled the lower chamber from doing business as usual.

"For the Republicans, who now have a majority in the House of Representatives and ‘their’ spokesperson, a good opportunity has opened up to influence the end of Ukraine and, indeed, a larger-scale conflict, though not for the sake of it. good of peace as such, but to win political points," Slutsky wrote on his Telegram channel.

The Russian official recalled that McCarthy had stated that he would insist on strengthening control over military spending, including in Ukraine.

"Let’s see if this is a campaign promise to voters who don’t understand where their money is being spent… Such oversight could open the eyes of those who voted to support the corrupt Kiev junta that seeks to perpetuate aggression," Slutsky pointed out.

He underscored that Republicans now have a chance to block the uncontrolled flow of money, which will also reduce the enthusiasm of neo-Nazis.

Slutsky said US officials used American taxpayers’ money to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's "murderous regime", pointing out that the number of those who were satisfied with this situation is gradually decreasing.

White House Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre announced on Friday a new $3 billion package in military aid to Ukraine, the first since the year 2023 started.

Jean-Pierre said that $682 million of the package will be allocated to assist European partners to reinforce NATO's presence in the eastern flank and $225 million to revamp Ukraine's military and build its long-term capacity.

In the same context, the Pentagon revealed that the latest military assistance package for Ukraine worth $3.75 billion includes 50 Bradley fighting vehicles, 500 TOW anti-tank missiles, and 250,000 rounds of 22mm ammunition.

Russia & NATO

As the Draconian Western-led sanctions on Russia exacerbate the economic crisis worldwide, and as Russian troops gain more ground despite the influx of military aid into Ukraine, exposing US direct involvement in bio-labs spread across Eastern Europe and the insurgence of neo-Nazi groups… How will things unfold?