Conservative critics of funding the war in Ukraine are skeptical that the recent $61 billion aid package signed into law will be the last major assistance Kyiv receives from the United States.
While Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell succeeded in pushing the package through Congress, some Republicans believe that further requests for aid from President Biden will face serious opposition.
Senator JD Vance, a leading opponent of additional funding among Senate Republicans, doubts that Ukraine will receive another $60 billion package from Congress. He argues that the recent aid package won’t be enough to turn the tide of the war and questions the capacity of the United States to supply the weapons needed for Ukraine to win.
USA and Ukraine flag (Credits: Gallup News)
Despite these concerns, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has indicated that the new military aid package will last through the end of the year, suggesting that additional assistance may be necessary in 2025.
The prospect of continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s war with Russia could become a major issue in the presidential race between Biden and former President Trump, as well as in the battles for control of the House and Senate.
While there is bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, some House Republicans have opposed further aid, with Speaker Mike Johnson facing criticism for bringing legislation to the floor. However, a majority of GOP senators backed the aid package, and McConnell won more Republican votes than in a previous package earlier this year.
U.S. Aid to Ukraine (Credits: The New York Times)
Looking ahead, lawmakers anticipate that Ukraine will need another tranche of assistance beyond the current aid package. Some expect that the $61 billion approved by Congress will cover Kyiv through November and potentially until the end of the year, setting up a potential fight in the lame-duck session after the November election.
Democrats are concerned about Ukraine’s future if Trump returns to the White House, given his past statements and constantly evolving stance on the war. However, they are encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for the recent aid package and believe they have momentum for future funding requests.
The question of further aid for Ukraine will depend on various factors, including the outcome of the November election and ongoing developments in the conflict.
