Ukraine is facing a potential loss of $6 billion in crucial military aid from the United States if Congress does not act quickly. This news has caused concern in Kyiv, where the memory of a previous delay in aid that resulted in battlefield losses is still fresh.
The delivery of this aid is contingent upon Congress extending the Pentagon’s authority to send weapons from its stockpiles to Ukraine. This $6 billion is part of a larger $61 billion package that was approved last April after a seven-month delay. This aid is critical in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia‘s full-scale invasion.
The Biden administration has requested that Congress include the $6 billion in any continuing resolution that may be passed before the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. However, if this effort fails, the Defense Department is exploring other options to ensure that the aid is delivered.
It is unclear why the $6 billion in aid was not provided earlier, despite the urgent needs of Ukraine’s armed forces. Multiple government sources in both Ukraine and the U.S. have declined to discuss the issue in detail.
According to a congressional advisor who spoke on condition of anonymity, the delay in disbursing the aid was due to issues with absorption capacity, domestic stock constraints, and flexibility in adapting to Ukraine’s needs.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has stated that the weapons and equipment for the full amount have not yet been sent due to a lack of necessary weapons in the Pentagon’s warehouses. However, they have assured that there is no reason to believe that the $6 billion will be lost.
David Arakhamia, head of President Zelensky’s political party, has stated that according to sources in Congress, the situation is under control and the money will not be lost. However, this episode highlights the ongoing issue of Ukraine’s top ally providing aid in a piecemeal manner, potentially due to a lack of urgency, in a war that Ukraine has described as “genocidal.”
At the Yalta European Strategy forum, President Zelensky addressed this issue, stating that Ukraine needs consistent and timely support from its allies in order to defend itself against Russian aggression.
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