Democrats and Republicans are currently arguing about further aid to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden asked the US Congress for new aid for Kiev in October. The Democrats support the $61 billion (55 billion euros) package, but it is rejected by the opposition Republicans.
The Republicans are demanding, among other things, further concessions from the Biden administration in US immigration policy and in securing the border with Mexico. The Republicans can block new aid for Ukraine with their majority in the House of Representatives and with their blocking minority in the Senate.
If an agreement is reached in the Senate, it would also have to pass the House of Representatives in order to be finally passed. The House of Representatives is already in winter recess, but in theory MPs could be called back to Washington to vote if an agreement is reached. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed skepticism about the prospects of a deal.
The United States has delivered or promised more than $44 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s war of aggression began. A US failure would have serious consequences for Kiev. The Western allies of the USA and Ukraine are therefore looking to Washington with concern, while the Kremlin is counting on a decline in Western aid.
