Senator Hawley Questions Ongoing US Funding for Ukraine Amidst Calls for Accountability

Senator Josh Hawley has voiced strong reservations about the United States continuing to allocate funds to Ukraine, citing concerns that the assistance provided thus far has yielded little tangible progress. The senator’s remarks followed President Joe Biden’s request for an additional $24 billion in aid to Ukraine, sparking a debate over the wisdom of extending further financial support.

In a closed-door Senate briefing on the situation in Ukraine, Hawley, a Republican hailing from Missouri, expressed his skepticism. “If there’s some path to victory in Ukraine, I didn’t hear it today. And I also heard that there’s going to be no end to the funding requests,” Hawley said, addressing reporters. “What we were basically told is ‘Buckle up and get out your checkbook.'”

Hawley emphasized that the funds being expended in Ukraine are the American people’s money, with approximately $115 billion already invested. He argued that it was time for Germany and other European allies to take a more active role in assisting Kiev in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

The senator drew parallels with past military involvements, stating, “Take out Ukraine, insert Iraq or Afghanistan, and you would get exactly what George W. Bush said for years – and other people after him – about why we have to stay indefinitely in those countries and keep spending money indefinitely, with no oversight… It’s the same recycled argument.”

Speaking to Fox News, Hawley doubled down on his stance, declaring, “We shouldn’t be spending a dime more on Ukraine.” He also called for a comprehensive audit of the funds already provided to Kiev.

President Biden, who met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky at the White House, has been advocating for the additional $24 billion in aid. “I’m counting on the good judgment of the United States Congress,” Biden stated during the meeting.

White House spokesman John Kirby urged legislators not to block the proposed funding, underscoring the urgency of the situation. “It’s really a critical time to help Kiev,” Kirby emphasized.

Despite unwavering pledges of support from US officials, Ukraine’s recent counteroffensive, launched in early June, has failed to achieve significant breakthroughs. Ukrainian forces have encountered formidable Russian defenses and treacherous minefields, resulting in a lack of substantial progress. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has cautioned supporters of Ukraine to prepare for a potentially protracted conflict in light of the challenging circumstances on the ground.