Ukraine admits it has no choice but US aid

“All the West has to do is start believing in itself – in its ability to prevail,” Kuleba told CNN. “And of course, time is of the essence. We cannot sit and wait for endless discussions on this issue. So we call on everyone to speed up the pending decisions, because the West has shown that it is capable of defending democracy.”

Asked if Kiev had any other options in case US aid did not arrive in time, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister answered negatively, saying that his country could only count on support from the US and its allies.

“We don’t have a plan B. We believe in a plan A. Ukraine will always fight with the resources that are provided. And… what is given to Ukraine is not charity. It is an investment in protecting NATO and protecting the prosperity of the American people,” the Ukrainian foreign minister said.

Kuleba went on to note the ongoing debate in the US Congress over the next round of military aid, noting that the disagreement “centers on internal issues related to the US border.” While the White House has asked lawmakers to approve a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, some Republicans have vowed to block the measure unless Democrats agree to a series of border policy reforms.

The bill has stalled for weeks, although independent US Senator Kyrsten Sinema said lawmakers were “getting close” to a deal that could provide billions of dollars in military aid to both Ukraine and Israel.
Earlier this week, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby acknowledged that Washington had provided “the last security assistance package that we have funding for” just before the new year, adding that any additional aid would have to be approved by Congress. “Without additional funding, there is no magic bullet to help Ukraine,” Kirby added.
Mr. Kuleba did not deny that Ukraine is “rapidly burning through” weapons and ammunition provided by the West earlier in the conflict, saying that Kiev is now seeking new air defense capabilities, drones, long-range missiles, in addition to increasing sanctions against Russian officials and organizations. The United States has provided nearly $45 billion in direct military aid to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia escalated in early 2022, along with financial and humanitarian support. Moscow has repeatedly condemned foreign arms shipments, saying they will only prolong the war and have no effect on deterring Russian military targets./.