The Ukrainian army will soon run out of ammunition and weapons if hardline Republican lawmakers continue to block U.S. aid funding. That undermines Kiev’s counter-offensive operations. and reduce their ability to defend themselves against Russian attacks. Experts warned on Monday (Oct. 2). The Pentagon said that Limiting the aid budget could have dire consequences for both the Ukrainian military and the American military.
Top U.S. officials, up to President Joe Biden, have reiterated that Washington will support Kiev no matter how long. And it has provided more than $43 billion in security assistance since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February last year. or more than half of all that Kiev receives from Western countries.
But on Saturday, Biden had to sign off on a temporary compromise bill. To avoid shutting down federal agencies which is being pushed by the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives. In this draft, new aid money to Ukraine has been eliminated in accordance with their demands. Far-right Republican MPs This matter makes us look at America’s continued support for Ukraine is no longer a guarantee.
Mark Kanzian, senior adviser to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a prominent think tank in Washington, warned that a stagnation of American aid would cause huge damage to Ukraine. Because the Ukrainian army will be weakened and may eventually collapse. Even though it may still hold up for a while.
America has been the most active country in supplying Kiev with a wide variety of weapons and ammunition in its fight to retake territory from Russia. Since pistol bullets cannon bullet to automobiles Complex rocket launch pads, tanks and mine disposal equipment.
However, Kansian added that If America stops aid altogether, which the White House insists will not happen, that will happen. The impact will not be immediately apparent as previously approved aid has not yet been fully delivered to Ukraine. But it may take around 2-3 weeks for effects to be seen on the battlefield. Although he is still optimistic that Because Russia is also in a state of exhaustion. Therefore, they may not be able to take advantage of anything.
But ending American aid could also create vulnerabilities in the air defense system, which consists of systems from multiple countries covering different altitudes and require a constant supply of additional ammunition.
These weapons systems play a key role in protecting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure from routine Russian drone and missile attacks.
James Black, assistant director of Rand Europe, a military and security research group, said air defense systems were not interchangeable.
Black added: Dozens of countries, especially in Europe They provide military assistance to Ukraine. And even support can be added. But supplying weapons to replace Washington’s shortfall This is a long-term challenge that may take years or even decades. which Ukraine probably cannot wait
At this time, no one knows for sure. How will the Republicans who control the lower house proceed? Even though Biden said that Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Pledged to push the House to pass another specific bill to help Ukraine. But it is unclear whether this amount will match the roughly $24 billion Biden has proposed. McCarthy also announced on Sunday (Oct. 1) that Ukraine would receive assistance. Only if America has enough security drones to prevent illegal crossings from Mexico first.
Not only that Even McCarthy’s fate remains uncertain. On Monday (2), Matt Getz, a far-right Republican MP, A motion has been filed to remove McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the Lower House. It is expected that the council will vote on this matter in the next few days.
Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense of the United States It has played a key role in building an international coalition to support Ukraine and coordinating assistance. demanded last weekend. Let Congress take steps to approve aid for Kyiv.
In addition, the AP reported on Monday (Oct. 2) that Michael McCord, an auditor for the US Department of Defense, sent a letter to the leader of the Congress warning that The Pentagon is now under pressure to delay the logistics of American troops. To prevent the risk of future budget uncertainty. And if soldiers cannot be deployed in a timely manner, it may affect the readiness of the army.
McCord also added that If Congress does not approve the requested budget The Pentagon may not be able to supply Ukraine with weapons that are urgently needed at this time. Because Russia is preparing for a winter invasion.
He noted that the Pentagon now has only $1.6 billion left of the previously approved $25.9 billion to send new weapons to Ukraine. And the United States still has $5.4 billion left to procure equipment from its domestic arsenal to send to Kyiv.
(Source: AFP, AP)
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2023-10-03 16:39:00
