US aid to Ukraine: White House warns of catastrophic consequences

John Kirby, coordinator of the White House National Security and Defense Council (GettyImages)

The U.S. Congress must immediately approve further aid for Ukraine, or there could be catastrophic consequences, according to White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby during a briefing.

Kirby said that the President (Joe Biden) realizes that other countries are watching what the US does. But US’ allies and partners are also closely watching because the U.S. leadership has provided critical support to Ukraine.

He noted that the U.S. not only led in contributions but also in coordinating contributions from other countries to deliver assistance to Ukraine.

According to the White House representative, if Congress refuses to approve further aid to Ukraine, then American leadership will waver. Some countries may reconsider their assistance to Ukraine, and this could have potentially catastrophic consequences for Ukraine, Kirby emphasized.

Funding for aid to Ukraine from the U.S.

In recent months, there has been a “political war” in the U.S. Congress between Democrats and Republicans over a bill to provide financial assistance to Ukraine and other allies.

In October 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden submitted a bill to Congress allocating $106 billion for aid to Israel and Ukraine, as well as for strengthening the defense-industrial complex. Of this amount, $61.3 billion was proposed for Ukraine and $14.3 billion for Israel.

However, on December 6, Republicans blocked the start of debates on the bill in the Senate.

It was also reported on January 12 that financial aid to Ukraine had been suspended in the White House until Congress approves a new funding package.