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The uncertainty surrounding US funding for Kyiv has intensified following Kevin McCarthy’s removal as speaker of the House of Representatives, endangering military aid. The risk of a potential lapse in American aid to Ukraine has increased as chaos engulfs the Republican party in Congress. This turmoil has prompted reflection in Washington on the impact of political dysfunction on foreign policy goals, particularly in countering Russian aggression and growing threats from China. Democrat Jack Reed warned on the Senate floor, “Will we appease Putin and cut off aid to the Ukrainians? If we do, it will be our problem.”
Washington insiders and experts have expressed deep concern over the potential impacts of the political situation on Ukraine funding. Exacerbating these concerns, Jim Jordan, a candidate to replace McCarthy as speaker and backed by Donald Trump, has reportedly been sceptical of Ukraine aid. Rachel Rizzo from the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center warned, “Jim Jordan is a real candidate to take over the House speakership and he voted against Ukraine funding. So I would be worried if I were [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and his team watching US domestic politics unfold from afar.”
Worries further heightened when the legislation to avert a government shutdown last Saturday did not include funding for Ukraine, leaving the future of Ukraine funding uncertain until mid-November. President Joe Biden has reassured American supporters of Ukraine and allies around the world that it will eventually be approved. However, the removal of McCarthy has made it more challenging for the White House to remain optimistic.
John Kirby, co-ordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, emphasized the need for Congress to act in order to ensure continued support for Ukraine. Biden acknowledged the majority support for Ukraine funding among members of both parties but admitted the necessity for a more comprehensive defense of US support to the American public. He announced plans for a major speech on the matter. Biden then convened a meeting with his top national security team to discuss Ukraine, as pressure grows to provide a clearer explanation of the US strategy in the war and sustain public support.
Heather Nauert, a former state department spokesperson under Trump, now at BGR, a lobbying group in Washington, criticized the lack of a strong consistent message from the administration to Congress and the American people. Concerns are mounting about the consequences of a potential reduction or halt in funding for Ukraine’s war effort, as public support dwindles. Raphael Cohen from the Rand Corporation labeled this a potential turning point in the historical debate about the US’ role in the war.
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