In a prepared statement from President Joe Biden released Friday, he condemns the path taken by certain Republicans in Congress who have expressed opposition to the continuance of U.S. assistance for Ukraine amid its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion. This assistance, like what other countries have provided, has largely taken the form of weapons deliveries. No U.S. troops are directly participating, and there is no indication of a forthcoming change.
No action on additional assistance from the U.S. for Ukraine is currently unfolding in Congress amid a holiday break, but the deadline will apparently be imminent as the calendar changes to the forthcoming year. “The American people can be proud of the lives we have helped to save and the support we have given Ukraine as it defends its people, its freedom, and its independence,” Biden said, referencing equipment provided by the U.S. “But unless Congress takes urgent action in the new year, we will not be able to continue sending the weapons and vital air defense systems Ukraine needs to protect its people. Congress must step up and act without any further delay.”
Discussing potential threats to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the U.S. from an emboldened Russian regime that finds eventual, strategic success in Ukraine in the possible scenario of the U.S. effectively stepping back, the president offered broader comments.
“When dictators and autocrats are allowed to run roughshod in Europe, the risk rises that the United States gets pulled in directly. And the consequences reverberate around the world. That’s why the United States has rallied a coalition of more than 50 countries to support the defense of Ukraine. We cannot let our allies and partners down. We cannot let Ukraine down. History will judge harshly those who fail to answer freedom’s call,” the president remarked. Republicans have been pushing for progress for their agenda around the southern border amid discussions of the possibilities of the future of aid for Ukraine.
