Biden Pushes for Billions in Aid for Ukraine from Congress

The money is there
Biden again wants billions from Congress for Kiev

08/10/2023, 11:35 p.m

The United States is one of Ukraine’s most important allies in defending itself against the Russian invasion. Since the beginning of the war, 43 billion US dollars have already been made available or promised to Kiev. Now there should be even more – at least if US President Biden has his way.

The US government wants to continue supporting Ukraine, which is being attacked by Russia, with many billions. High-ranking government officials announced in Washington that President Joe Biden would ask Congress to approve a total of around $13 billion in military aid. The money will also be used to replenish the US Department of Defense stocks, from which some of the equipment supplied to Kiev comes.

It was unclear whether part of the money should flow into the support of other countries. There is also $7.3 billion for economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and other war-affected countries. Additional billions are to be made available via the World Bank, for example.

The United States is one of Ukraine’s key allies in defending itself against the Russian invasion. Since the beginning of the war at the end of February 2022, the United States has provided or promised more than $43 billion in military aid to Kiev.

Money is there, only majority is missing

At the end of last year, the US Congress passed a budget that earmarked around 45 billion US dollars for Ukraine by the end of September. Then the financial year ends. At the time, Congress even approved a little more money than Biden had originally requested. The situation in Congress is now different, however, because the Republicans have a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. Some of them are skeptical about support for Kiev.

There is still enough money this fiscal year to support Ukraine, a US official said. “But we don’t know how long this war will last.” Therefore, one must assume that the war will continue in October.

Biden’s government is demanding further emergency aid from Congress – including for border and disaster control. She also wants about $200 million for strengthening African countries against the Russian mercenary group Wagner.