Ukraine's Presidential Chief Of Staff Calls Postponing US Aid To Increase The Risk Of Defeat In The Battlefield
JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday the postponement of US aid to Kyiv discussed in Congress would create a "big risk" of Ukraine's defeat to Russia on the battlefield.
Andriy Yermak's statement is the most honest so far by a senior Kyiv official, amid uncertainty over the future continuation of aid from the US and the European Union, as the war continues with Russia.
If aid is delayed, "this poses a great risk, we will be in the same position as it is today," he said.
"And of course, this makes it impossible for this very high probability to continuously free and pose a great risk of losing this war," Yermak explained.
On Monday, White House officials said the US was running out of time and money to help Ukraine fight against Russia.
President Joe Biden's administration called on Congress in October to provide nearly 106 billion US dollars to fund ambitious plans for Ukraine, Israel, and US border security. However, Republicans who control the US House of Representatives with a narrow majority rejected it.
However, US officials hope they can still get significant package approval.
Yermak said the threat of no longer direct budget support was a problem. The Ukrainian government estimates that it will experience a budget deficit of 43 billion US dollars next year.
"Of course, without this direct budget support, it will be difficult to maintain in the same position and the people can really survive in a situation when the war will continue," he said.
"That's why it's so important that this support will be selected and selected as soon as possible."
Yermak plans to make his second visit to Washington within weeks. He said he would pressure lawmakers and government officials on the importance of Congress agreeing to the new aid package.
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Ukraine itself launched a massive retaliatory attack this year, but so far it has not been able to penetrate Russia's defensive line. Meanwhile, Russia is launching attacks in the east.
However, Yermak said Kyiv had plans for next year.
"We really have these plans and plans, including military operations, including diplomatic activities and of course including our cooperation in the field of communications and information," he said.