The US confirms it is halting military supplies to Ukraine.
(Baonghean.vn) - White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced on January 11 that US military aid to Kyiv has now stopped. His statement comes as the US Congress is debating whether to continue supporting Ukraine.
“We have issued the final withdrawal order for the funds we have available, and that is why it is critical for Congress to quickly implement the national security request,” Kirby told reporters at a press briefing, while acknowledging that “support (from the U.S.) has now stopped.”
The final aid package, worth $250 million, was approved by President Joe Biden in late December through Presidential Drawing Rights, allowing for the emergency shipment of weapons to allies without congressional approval.
Earlier this month, Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder warned that the military was running out of options “to replenish its stockpiles.” While President Biden has publicly pledged support for Kyiv “for as long as necessary,” some Republicans and the media have questioned Washington’s current strategy, as Ukraine’s hyped-up counteroffensive ended without significant territorial gains.
Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine's top general, admitted last year that the conflict had "reached a stalemate." EU officials have also increasingly acknowledged that arms deliveries to Ukraine have been delayed due to production and logistical problems.
“Europe doesn’t know how to fight,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said in a recent interview. “Unfortunately, our friends have spent too much time considering how and when to increase the production of weapons and ammunition.”
