The U.S. Army in Europe and Africa is facing a financial crisis that could jeopardize its operations if Congress does not approve a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine soon.
Col. Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for the U.S. Army’s combined Europe and Africa command, warned that they are running out of money and expect to go broke before summertime if no changes are made. The funding is crucial not only for Ukraine’s war effort but also for the U.S. Army’s wider operations across the two vast regions.
The Army has been covering hundreds of millions of dollars in expenses for Ukraine’s war effort, including training Ukrainian forces and transporting equipment through Europe. If the aid package is not approved, these operations could come to a halt by May or June.
U.S. Army (Credits: CNN)
O’Donnell stressed the importance of the funding, noting the risks if they don’t receive it. He mentioned that while adjustments have been made within the organization to manage the budget, there’s a limit to what they can do without compromising readiness or support for Ukraine.
The warning about the money crunch comes amid heightened concern over Russia’s military expansion, particularly with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine continuing.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith emphasized the urgency of the assistance for Ukraine, stating that stopping Russia now in Ukraine is critical to prevent further aggression.
Meanwhile, U.S. troops are engaged in live-fire exercises in northern Poland, simulating scenarios where an unnamed adversary attacks NATO’s eastern flank.
The exercises are strategically significant, taking place near the Suwalki Gap, a critical area that separates NATO territory from Russian footholds in Kaliningrad and Belarus.
The soldiers participating in the drills are preparing for any eventuality, underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong deterrent against aggression. However, their ability to continue these operations hinges on Congress approving the Ukraine aid package.
O’Donnell and others are urging lawmakers to overcome their differences and ensure the funding is approved quickly to avoid a financial crisis that could impact operations in Europe and Africa.
