Despite Funding Challenges, US Defense Secretary Stresses Support For Ukraine To European Allies

In the face of funding challenges and congressional hesitation, U.S. Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, has reaffirmed the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine to European allies.

What Happened: Austin presided over a meeting of around 50 allies at Germany’s Ramstein Air Base, known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), Reuters reported on Tuesday. The meeting’s objective was to reassure allies of the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine, despite depleting funds for arming Kyiv.

“The United States will not let Ukraine fail…This coalition will not let Ukraine fail,” Austin said at the start of the meeting.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has not yet scheduled a vote on a bill proposing an additional $60 billion for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the White House is exploring alternative methods to aid Kyiv, which has been in conflict with Russian forces for over two years.

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Why It Matters: The funding deficit is already affecting Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces having to make do with limited resources. Despite the Biden administration’s recent pledge of $300 million in military aid to Ukraine, experts believe Austin will face skepticism from European allies.

As President Biden struggles to pass a significant Ukraine aid package through Congress, European support has become increasingly vital. Poland has called for increased NATO defense spending due to fears of Russian aggression.

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