President Biden Urges Republicans for Military Aid as U.S. Funds Run Low for Ukraine

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
06/12/2023 20h14

WASHINGTON - In a passionate plea to Republicans, President Joe Biden urged for a fresh infusion of military aid for Ukraine, warning of the dire consequences if Russia's aggression against Ukraine is allowed to prevail. During a speech on Wednesday, President Biden emphasized that a victory for Russia would not only put Moscow in a position to attack NATO allies, but it could also draw the United States into a potentially devastating war.

The United States, amidst financial constraints, is set to announce an additional $175 million in aid for Ukraine from its dwindling supply of funds for Kyiv. In an effort to garner Republican support, President Biden indicated a willingness to make significant changes to the country's migration policy along the border with Mexico.

"If Putin takes Ukraine, he won't stop there," President Biden stated firmly. He went on to predict that Putin would then proceed to target a NATO ally, a scenario that would entail American troops engaging in combat against Russian forces - a situation the United States currently does not face. "We can't let Putin win," President Biden added emphatically.

This urgent plea from the White House comes on the heels of a warning that the United States is rapidly running out of time and money to help Ukraine fend off Russia's invasion. According to U.S. budget director Shalanda Young, the U.S. Defense Department had utilized 97% of the $62.3 billion in supplemental funding received by mid-November, while the State Department had exhaustively utilized the entirety of its $4.7 billion military assistance funding.

With the United States left with less than $1 billion in "replenishment authority," Congress must act swiftly by providing new funds to replace equipment. Failure to do so would not only impact Ukraine but also force the United States, Ukraine, and arms manufacturers to explore alternative options to restock vital supplies.

The issue of border security with Mexico has emerged as a significant factor in the negotiations surrounding Ukraine and Israel funding. House and Senate Republicans are pushing for the resumption of border wall construction, a cornerstone of former President Donald Trump's administration, while also seeking to restrict asylum eligibility for large numbers of migrants and reinstate the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum seekers.

President Biden expressed a willingness to make "significant" compromises on the border issue, recognizing the need to find common ground with Republicans. However, he made it clear that they wouldn't achieve all their desired outcomes without specifying details.

Earlier in the day, President Biden discussed the situation in Ukraine during a virtual summit with G7 leaders. He reassured U.S. allies that they remain committed to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing 22-month struggle against Russian aggression.

Pushing back against what he called "extreme Republicans," President Biden emphasized the grave risks posed to national security by holding Ukraine's funding hostage as part of an extreme partisan border policy.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, it remains to be seen whether President Biden's call for additional military aid will gain traction among Republicans. However, with the U.S. funds for Ukraine rapidly depleting, the need for a swift resolution becomes increasingly critical.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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