December 21, 2023 The Democratic and Republican leaders of the US Senate, Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, jointly declared on Tuesday that Washington will not be able to approve new aid for Ukraine before the end of the year. The statement emphasized ongoing negotiations and expressed hope for a swift resolution early in the new year. While challenging issues remain, the Senate leaders affirmed their commitment to addressing national security challenges in Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific.
The announcement is a setback for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had advocated for aid during his visit to Washington in mid-December. Zelensky expressed hopefulness, emphasizing that the United States “will not betray” Ukraine, which faces a dire need for weapons ahead of winter. The impasse is also a blow to President Joe Biden, who has made support for Ukraine a key element of his foreign policy.
Negotiations on the aid package have faced hurdles, with Republicans conditioning their support on a tightening of US immigration policy. The proposed aid package includes military, humanitarian, and macro-economic components. While the Senate aims to approve the package upon their return on January 8, challenges are anticipated in the lower House, particularly related to oversight and differing views within the Republican party. Ukraine’s military efforts have faced Russian pressure, and the delay in aid approval raises questions about the duration and extent of US support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
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