The Department of Defense of the United States announced the increased risks Ukraine faces in its conflict with Russia due to delays in US aid, attributed to Congress's failure to approve an additional support package for Kyiv.
Major General Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, discussed the critical situation with Radio Liberty, resulting from the stalled support packages for Kyiv.
"Of course, delays in Ukraine receiving what it needs continue to expose Ukraine to increased risk," he mentioned.
According to him, the USA is acutely aware of the "horror of the situation," as well as the critical importance and urgency of Kyiv's needs for ammunition and other resources.
"And so, again, we're going to continue to work very closely with our Congress. The risks are growing every day," Ryder added.
Ryder reassured that the USA is actively cooperating with the international community, especially through the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine "Ramstein," to provide needed assistance to Kyiv.
Optimism Amidst Uncertainty
"We remain optimistic that our Congress will agree and support this package. In the meantime, we intend to continue working closely with our allies and partners, many of whom provide significant assistance to Ukraine," he summarized.
The day before, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Ukraine's survival was at risk and tried to convince allies of the US's commitment to Kyiv.
Lloyd Austin, during his opening remarks at the Rammstein format meeting, promised that the United States would continue to support Ukraine's military efforts against Russia.
The speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, agreed to unblock the decision on aid to Ukraine, but with significant changes. This includes launching the aid as a House of Representatives initiative and structuring it as either a loan or lend-lease.
Furthermore, Johnson admitted that aid to Ukraine and Israel will still be divided into separate projects. Any forthcoming legislation would require sufficient support within both the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass.
