The Biden administration is asking Congress to approve an additional $24 billion in spending for Ukraine as it seeks to bolster this proxy war as much as possible in the final weeks of Biden's term.
POLITICO Pro has obtained a request from the White House Office of Management and Budget asking Congress to increase aid spending for Ukraine in a continuing resolution expected to be voted on next month. Two congressional aides stated that Congress received the proposal on Monday.
The request asks for $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (a form of military aid that allows the U.S. to purchase weapons for Ukraine) and $16 billion to replace U.S. military equipment already sent to Ukraine.
Funding to supplement U.S. weapons will allow the Biden administration to use the remaining 'Presidential Drawdown Authority,' which permits the U.S. to ship weapons directly from military stockpiles to Ukraine. The Biden administration hopes to urgently ship weapons to Ukraine during the remaining transition period.
If Congress agrees to this request, according to public data, the total U.S. expenditure on this proxy war will reach approximately $210 billion.
Earlier this year, Biden signed a foreign military assistance bill that included $61 billion in aid for Ukraine. Prior to this, the U.S. had spent at least $125 billion in this conflict.
U.S. officials told The Washington Post that the Biden administration is trying to position Ukraine as favorably as possible before President-elect Trump potentially pushes for an end to the war.
U.S. officials acknowledge that in a few months, Ukraine may be pushed into negotiations and ultimately cede territory.
(The Washington Post) wrote: 'Biden has reversed his previous policies on landmines and missiles, partly to give Ukraine the strongest possible support when participating in these potential negotiations.'
Reports added: 'Biden often resists escalating Kyiv's weaponry out of concern for escalating relations with Russia, but later relents after a few months.'
Republican Senator Mike Lee indicated on Wednesday (27th) that Congress must not allow the outgoing Biden to undermine peace negotiations with the incoming Trump administration.
Article shared from: Jinshi Data
