President Joe Biden has finally secured $95 billion in war aid for Ukraine after a long battle with Republicans in Congress. The aid package also includes support for Israel, Taiwan, and other allies. However, the delay in securing this funding has caused significant damage to Ukraine’s ability to repel Russia’s invasion. The first tranche of aid, about $1 billion, is expected to include air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and other weapons to boost Ukrainian forces.
Despite the influx of aid, it is uncertain whether Ukraine can make enough progress to sustain American political support after months of setbacks and infrastructure damage. With Russian forces now focusing on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, there are concerns about a potential summer offensive to seize the city. The delay in approving the aid package by some Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, has been criticized for straining Ukraine’s prospects of defeating Russian aggression. Former President Donald Trump, who has complained about European allies not doing enough for Ukraine, has shifted his tone and acknowledged the importance of Ukraine’s survival to the United States.
Amid concerns about decreased U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO under a potential second Trump presidency, European leaders have been on edge. Trump’s comments about encouraging Russia to do as they please to countries not meeting defense spending goals have raised alarms. Biden’s efforts to secure additional funding for Ukraine began months earlier, with a request for over $20 billion in aid being stripped out of a must-pass spending bill in August. Despite challenges, Biden successfully worked with Republicans to pass the aid package and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
The White House maneuvering to win additional funding for Ukraine started months earlier, with Biden urging Speaker Johnson to quickly pass Ukraine aid. Biden and White House officials engaged in behind-the-scenes efforts to bring the matter to a vote, emphasizing the stakes for Europe if Ukraine were to fall to Russia. The administration avoided directly attacking Johnson over the stalled aid, and Johnson came across as direct and honest throughout the negotiations. Despite frustrating moments, Biden’s team kept pushing for progress, brainstorming ways to make the case for Ukraine’s dire situation in the absence of aid.
The $61 billion in aid allocated for Ukraine can help bolster Ukrainian forces, but experts warn that more support will be needed for a prolonged fight against Russia. Realistic goals for Ukraine include avoiding the loss of major cities, slowing Russia’s momentum, and obtaining additional weaponry to potentially go on the offensive in the future. The support for Ukraine is crucial in deterring Russian aggression, and the success of Ukraine is not guaranteed unless continued support is provided. The passage of the war aid measure marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
