Urgent Call for Military Aid: US and Ukraine Stress Need for Congressional Action
On April 18, 2024, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba both stressed the urgent need for Congress to pass a new military aid package for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Both leaders emphasized that the US has a crucial role in providing Ukraine with the necessary support to effectively defend itself against Russian aggression, not only for Ukrainian lives but also for US interests.
Dmytro Kuleba echoed Blinken’s urgency and highlighted the significant impact that passing the supplemental aid package could have in saving Ukrainian lives from Russian attacks. He referenced the recent Russian missile strike in Chernihiv, where at least 18 people were killed, as a tragic example of the ongoing violence in Ukraine. The aid package has faced obstacles in Congress, specifically from Republicans who are reluctant to provide more support to Ukraine.
At a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting on the Mediterranean island of Capri, discussions were scheduled to address support for Ukraine. The US House of Representatives was set to vote on new military aid over the weekend, including approximately $61 billion in support for Ukraine. Both Blinken and Kuleba emphasized the critical need for immediate action to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself against Russian aggression and prevent further tragedy.
