In a recent congressional hearing, Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the top general for U.S. forces in Europe, delivered a dire warning that Ukraine could be outgunned by Russia at a ratio of 10 to one within a matter of weeks. The general stressed the urgent need for Congress to approve additional ammunition and weapons to support Ukraine's defense efforts.

Testifying alongside Cavoli was Celeste Wallander, the assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. Their testimony comes as Congress faces crucial weeks of voting for aid to Ukraine, with no guarantee of funding being approved in time. Ukraine has already been forced to ration its munitions due to the delay in passing a $60 billion supplemental bill.

Cavoli highlighted the current asymmetry between Russia and Ukraine, stating that the Russian side is currently firing five times as many artillery shells as Ukraine. Without swift action, Cavoli warned that this ratio would increase to 10 to one, significantly compromising Ukraine's ability to defend itself.

Efforts to secure funding for Ukraine's defense have faced challenges within Congress, particularly in terms of conflicting domestic priorities such as border security. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has been attempting to find a way forward to allocate funds for new rounds of munitions production in the United States, which would then be rushed to Ukraine.

However, Johnson's leadership role is also being threatened by Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has called for his ouster over the aid issue. These internal divisions further complicate the timely approval of crucial funding for Ukraine.

While the political battles continue, the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine is rapidly deteriorating. Cavoli emphasized that the flow of 155mm artillery shells from the U.S. has been a lifeline for Ukraine, with artillery being the biggest killer on the battlefield. If Ukraine were to run out of ammunition, it would significantly jeopardize its ability to defend its territory and airspace.

Moreover, Russia's increased production of missiles poses a significant threat, as they can launch large-scale attacks every few days. Without an adequate supply of air defense systems, Ukraine's economy, civil society, and military would be crippled if faced with these attacks.

The absence of the supplemental funding also presents a critical problem for the U.S. Army itself. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth expressed deep concern over Ukraine's ability to defend itself and warned of the potential for Russian breakthroughs in the conflict. General Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, stressed the need to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons and air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure and frontline troops.

Furthermore, Wormuth and George highlighted the repercussions for the U.S. Army if the supplemental funding is not approved soon. They explained that the lack of funds would prevent the deployment of troops currently serving in Europe from returning home and inhibit the training of units in the U.S.

The urgency of the situation is not only tied to Ukraine's security but also to the broader consequences of a potential Russian victory. If Ukraine falls, it could imperil the Baltic NATO member states and potentially draw U.S. troops into a prolonged European war.

House Speaker Johnson emphasized that discussions among House members are ongoing as they actively explore options for a path forward. The urgency of the situation is recognized, but consensus needs to be reached for progress to be made. Michigan Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin called for a vote on the matter, underscoring the importance of timely action.

The clock is ticking, and as the situation on the ground worsens, it becomes increasingly critical for Congress to act swiftly to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to defend itself against Russian aggression.