The approval of U.S. aid to Ukraine has been welcomed by soldiers and civilians alike, although there are concerns about when the aid will arrive and in what amounts. A soldier expressed hope that the supplies would reach the frontlines by the time of the anticipated Russian offensive this summer, as it would determine where Ukraine’s troops can stop them. However, the soldier also expressed disappointment at the political infighting that delayed the aid’s approval. Some civilians in Kyiv echoed these concerns, questioning how much the country will ultimately have to pay for the help.
The Kremlin has dismissed the newly-approved U.S. aid as having any impact on the situation on the frontlines, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that the new arms supplies will not change the dynamics of the war. Despite this, Christopher Tuck, an expert in conflict and security, believes that the aid weakens Russia and may help slow or even halt their advances. Tuck notes that while the aid may not lead to immediate transformation on the battlefield, it is important politically as it demonstrates that the U.S. is still backing Ukraine, which is crucial for any potential peace settlement.
The perceived lack of transformational impact of the aid package is based on the fact that Ukrainian forces were unable to achieve a decisive victory last summer even with more aid than is currently being provided. Tuck emphasizes that the key to any potential peace settlement is convincing Russia that continuing to fight will not improve their bargaining position. Increasing Ukraine’s firepower is seen as a way to potentially increase Russian losses and slow or halt their advances, which could be crucial in shifting the balance in negotiations.
The approval of U.S. aid to Ukraine comes after months of political infighting and behind-the-scenes wrangling, leading to disappointment among some soldiers and civilians. While there are concerns about the timing and amounts of aid that will arrive in Ukraine, many see the approval of the aid package as a positive development. The hope is that the aid will help bolster Ukraine’s defenses and potentially weaken Russia’s position in the ongoing conflict, even if it may not lead to immediate transformation on the ground.
Daryna Mayer, an NBC News producer and reporter based in Kyiv, and Yuliya Talmazan, a reporter for NBC News Digital based in London, reported on the reactions to the approval of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Experts like Christopher Tuck believe that while the aid may not have an immediate transformative impact on the battlefield, it is an important political signal that the U.S. is still supporting Ukraine. This backing is seen as crucial in potentially shifting the balance in the conflict and convincing Russia that continuing to fight may not be in their best interests.
