Ukraine is expressing concern over being neglected as Congress grapples with providing financial support to Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. As attention from the international community shifts towards the Israel-Hamas war, Ukraine is worried about being left behind in its struggle against Russian forces, especially with winter approaching.

Even before the Gaza conflict erupted, Ukraine was troubled by Congress's failure to include funding for Kyiv in a temporary government spending bill due to opposition from a faction of House Republicans. This setback further exacerbated Ukraine's anxieties about its future.

In a recent development, the House of Representatives voted in favor of a $14 billion package to assist Israel, but Ukraine aid was not included. President Biden had requested the combination of assistance for both countries, as well as funds for Taiwan and U.S. border security in a single package. However, his request was rejected.

This decision has left Ukraine concerned about the dwindling support it is receiving. Kira Rudik, a member of Ukraine's parliament, expressed hope that Congress would eventually approve new funding for Ukraine. However, she expressed worry as the upcoming U.S. elections could complicate the debate and decision-making process.

Rudik emphasized the dire real-life consequences that a delayed or denied assistance package would have on the Ukrainian people who are directly affected by the ongoing conflict but have no influence over Congress. She stressed the urgent need for support, as the lives of countless individuals in Ukraine could be significantly impacted by further delays.

Newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has proposed linking Ukrainian assistance to border security and has indicated his willingness to support Kyiv, despite his past votes against Ukraine aid. However, he insists on separating aid to Israel from funding for Ukraine, raising concerns over the increasing skepticism within the GOP regarding ongoing support for Ukraine.

On the other hand, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), an advocate for Ukraine, supports Johnson's plan to keep Ukraine aid separate from Israel assistance. Bacon believes that including both in the same package could potentially delay necessary funding for Israel. He expressed optimism that the plan can garner support from Republicans with the inclusion of border security measures.

Although the path to securing aid for Ukraine seems uncertain, Johnson has assured that the Ukraine aid and border security package will follow the Israel legislation in the House. The Israel package, however, is facing resistance in the Senate, where Democrats seek to combine Israeli and Ukrainian funding and oppose the cuts to the Internal Revenue Service budget proposed in the House-passed legislation.

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) has previously voiced his support for Ukraine aid, and he has strongly emphasized the need to join funding for Ukraine and Israel. Bennet has criticized House Republicans, accusing them of turning their backs on Ukraine and stating that it poses an important test of America's leadership.

The Biden administration has also expressed its dissatisfaction with the House bill, with President Biden promising to veto it, partly because it does not include funding for Ukraine. The Office of Management and Budget stressed the urgent requirement for Ukraine to receive assistance, particularly to defend its cities' civilian infrastructure in the face of relentless attacks.

With political obstacles obstructing progress, existing funds for Ukraine are rapidly depleting, just as fears of a stalemate in the conflict with Russia are mounting. As winter approaches, the Ukrainian troops require a steady supply of resources to continue their counteroffensive in the south. Additionally, Ukraine will struggle to keep its citizens warm and safe due to continued targeting of energy infrastructure by Russia.

Although European allies may provide assistance, the absence of substantial support from the United States will create a significant void. Catherine Sendak, the director of the Transatlantic Defense and Security program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, expressed concerns about meeting the demand for assistance without U.S. involvement. She warned that failure to step up would not only make it difficult for Ukraine but also send a signal to allies and Russia alike that support for Ukraine is wavering.

To rally support for Ukraine, President Biden recently delivered an address in the Oval Office, emphasizing the importance of protecting allies to maintain peace domestically. Support for Ukraine still enjoys bipartisan agreement among national security experts, with over 300 former secretaries, ambassadors, diplomats, and military leaders urging Congress to pass Ukraine aid.

However, a growing number of Americans, particularly within the Republican Party, remain cautious about ongoing support for Ukraine without a clear objective to end the conflict. Ukraine's counteroffensive has faced challenges over the past five months, with forces making limited progress against formidable Russian lines.

General Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine's military commander, added to skepticism by stating that the war has reached a "stalemate" in a recent interview with The Economist. He expressed doubt about the possibility of a significant breakthrough, raising further concerns about the need for continued support and assistance.

As Congress debates the allocation of funds, Ukraine anxiously waits for a decision that could determine the course of its struggle against Russia. The winter months bring additional challenges, and without swift action, Ukraine's fight for stability and security could face further setbacks.