President Joe Biden is making a plea to Republicans for a fresh infusion of military aid for Ukraine, stating that a victory for Russia over Ukraine would leave Moscow in a position to attack NATO allies and potentially draw U.S. troops into a war. Biden spoke as the United States planned to announce $175 million in additional Ukraine aid from its dwindling supply of money for Kyiv. He signaled a willingness to make significant changes to U.S. migration policy along the border with Mexico to try to draw Republican support.
Biden emphasized the potential consequences of a Russian victory in Ukraine, stating that if Putin takes Ukraine, he won’t stop there and would likely attack a NATO ally. This, in turn, could lead to American troops fighting Russian troops, which is a scenario that the United States does not seek.
The White House has issued a warning that the U.S. is running out of time and money to help Ukraine repel Russia’s invasion. National security adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the U.S. is sticking to its long-held position not to pressure Ukraine into negotiations with Russia and indicated a need to secure more funding to support Ukraine’s defense.
By mid-November, the U.S. Defense Department had used 97% of the $62.3 billion in supplemental funding it had received, and the State Department had utilized all of the $4.7 billion in military assistance funding it had been allocated.
The issue of border security with Mexico is a significant factor in negotiations about Ukraine and Israel funding. House and Senate Republicans are backing renewed construction of a border wall and seeking changes to asylum policies. President Biden expressed a willingness to make significant compromises on the border issue but stated that Republicans will not get everything they want.
Biden, who had discussed Ukraine in a virtual summit with G7 leaders, emphasized that U.S. allies are prepared to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to repel Russian invaders. He also accused “extreme Republicans” of holding Ukraine’s funding hostage to an “extreme partisan border policy.”
President Biden’s plea for aid for Ukraine comes amid escalating tensions with Russia, emphasizing the need for bipartisan support in addressing the crisis. The situation in Ukraine continues to be a focal point for the Biden administration and has implications that extend beyond the region.