Biden Administration: Funding for Ukraine ‘dried up’
The United States has officially put an end to its military aid for Ukraine, leaving the war-torn nation in a precarious position. John Kirby confirmed the cessation of assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for additional funding as winter tightens its grip on the region after Zelenskyy’s failed counteroffensive.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby revealed that the last bit of aid from a previous assistance package has been sent. “The assistance that we provided has now ground to a halt.” Kirby stated. Seemingly abandoning Ukraine leaving many to ponder the real reasoning behind the sudden halt. Zelenskyy had mentioned earlier his worries that the conflict in Israel would divert international attention from his cause as he went on a tour across several countries to strengthen ties and ensure support from European and North American allies. But since then, the counteroffensive operation that he launched against the Russian operation has failed. Leaving in its wake, a trail of destroyed tanks and artillery previously provided by Western nations to Ukraine.
US administration is insisting that the halt in aid is due to a political deadlock in Congress, where House and Senate Republicans, along with Senate Democrats, had a dispute regarding an aid package that includes support for the Ukrainian military and Israel’s IDF. The GOP’s insistence on tying the release of funds to drastic changes in US immigration policies has created a contentious standoff. But critics argue that the failed counteroffensive in Ukraine may have been viewed as a last effort by the US and its allies to push Ukraine to victory. And that after that operation failed, they no longer see a reason to continue supporting Ukraine with massive amounts of machinery, tanks, armored vehicles, and taxpayer funds that is most likely all going to waste.
White House budget director Shalanda Young mentioned that the $110b aid package which Biden asked for at the end of last year would inject over $50 billion into the US defense industry. While failing to mention how US taxpayer funds are going directly into feeding militaristic aspirations in Eastern Europe.
As the Biden administration struggles to keep its own economy afloat, Zelenskyy has been vocal about needing more and more funding and weapons. With little to no regard of the cost said weapons will have on the American economy which is staving off inflation and a looming recession on the horizon.
