The Biden administration introduced on Tuesday that it was sending as much as $300 million in weapons to Ukraine, the primary new help package deal for the nation since funding ran out in late December.
The package deal, pulled collectively from cash that Military accountants cobbled from financial savings from contracts that got here in below bid, contains air protection interceptors, artillery rounds and armor techniques, senior protection officers mentioned. It was unclear whether or not the measure included longer-range missiles generally known as ATACMs.
It’s a stopgap measure at finest, the officers mentioned, however Ukraine is in dire want of air protection techniques particularly, as Russia has continued its bombardment of cities notably within the east.
The makeshift answer would preserve advancing Russian troops at bay for only some weeks, one official mentioned.
The Senate handed an emergency help invoice together with $60.1 billion for Ukraine. However the measure faces an unsure destiny within the Home of Representatives, the place Republican leaders have refused to place the measure to a vote. Whereas congressional officers say there’s a essential mass of assist for persevering with to arm Ukraine in its struggle in opposition to Russian aggression, the Republican Occasion is more and more turning away from its conventional hawkish posture and perception in projecting American energy and democratic rules all over the world.
Home Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican of Louisiana who has opposed aiding Ukraine, should navigate a handful of ultraconservative lawmakers who’ve mentioned they are going to transfer to oust him if he permits a vote on Ukraine help with out stringent immigration measures connected.
For President Biden, who has led the way in which in calling for the West to face up for Ukraine in opposition to Russia’s invasion and occupation, the problem has change into an embarrassing one on the worldwide stage.
The American political paralysis has led, Pentagon officers mentioned, to essential shortages on the battlefields of Ukraine. As every day goes by with no contemporary provide of munitions and artillery, and Ukrainian crews ration the shells they’ve, morale is struggling.
Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration has despatched greater than $75 billion in money and tools to the nation for its protection. Many of the help has gone to Ukraine’s navy operations, protecting its authorities working and addressing its humanitarian wants.
The cash ran out in December, and Mr. Biden requested Congress for the authority to start a brand new infusion of money and tools that solely Congress can approve. However many Republicans object to pouring extra taxpayer {dollars} into the battle.