President Joe Biden has reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that $60 billion in military aid is forthcoming.
Although the measure still awaits a final congressional vote, President Biden expressed confidence to Zelensky that it would be approved. Zelensky had previously issued an urgent plea for additional weapons to prevent a “catastrophic” situation in Europe.
The US has attributed Ukraine’s retreat from the Avdiivka battle to a lack of support from Congress. Avdiivka, which serves as a crucial gateway to the Russian-occupied Donetsk regional capital in the east, represents Russia’s first significant territorial advance since its seizure of nearby Bakhmut in May.
“Ukraine’s military found itself compelled to withdraw from Avdiivka as Ukrainian soldiers faced ammunition shortages, a consequence of dwindling supplies exacerbated by congressional inaction,” stated a release from the White House.
Earlier this week, the US Senate greenlit a $95 billion (£75 billion) foreign aid package, including $60 billion earmarked for Ukraine, following months of political deliberations. However, the package encounters resistance in the House of Representatives, where divisions within the Republican Party pose a challenge.
President Biden expressed his strong stance on the matter, stating, “The Ukrainian people have fought bravely and heroically, putting so much on the line. The idea that, as they face ammunition shortages, we would walk away is absurd, unethical, and contrary to our principles as a country. I will fight until they receive the ammunition and capability needed for self-defense.” Ukrainian President Zelensky also urged US lawmakers to endorse the financial package.
“I am pleased to have the unwavering support of the American president,” he shared on Telegram.
Mr. Zelensky, during his visit to Germany, urgently called for more weaponry to prevent a potential “catastrophic” situation in Europe. Addressing an international conference in Munich, he emphasized, “Maintaining Ukraine in a state of artificial weapon shortages, especially lacking artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adjust to the current intensity of the conflict.” He further asserted, “Ukrainians have demonstrated our ability to compel Russia to retreat; we can reclaim our land.”
“Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself, why is Putin still able to continue it?” remarked a Ukrainian official, reflecting on the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine relies critically on weapon supplies from the US and other Western allies to sustain its fight against Russia—a significantly larger military force with ample artillery ammunition.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron emphasized that assistance from the UK, the EU, and the US would significantly bolster Ukraine’s efforts against Russia.
Expressing disappointment, Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko stated to the BBC, “If you can’t count on your partner, because America was saying you can count on us, we will be with Ukraine as long as it takes, and where are those words now?”
Avdiivka, embroiled in intense conflict for several months, has served as a contested town since 2014, when Russian-backed forces captured substantial territories in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The capture of Avdiivka represents a significant shift along the over 1,000km-long (620-mile) front line, the most substantial change since Russian forces took control of the nearby town of Bakhmut in May 2023.
Denis Pushilin, the leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, celebrated Russia’s territorial advancement.
