Current:Home > NewsBlinken promises Ukraine's leader "enduring" U.S. support as war with Russia nears 2-year mark -GrowthInsight
Blinken promises Ukraine's leader "enduring" U.S. support as war with Russia nears 2-year mark
Rekubit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-07 05:55:44
Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised sustained U.S. support for Ukraine in a meeting Tuesday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, despite a row in the U.S. Congress on approving new funding.
"We are determined to sustain our support for Ukraine and we're working very closely with Congress in order to work to do that. I know our European colleagues will do the same thing," Blinken told Zelenskyy as they met at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The Biden administration has struggled to get Congress to approve a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine in the face of opposition from Republican lawmakers.
U.S. funding for Ukraine locked up in Congress
President Biden's request for the Ukraine aid, part of a $106 billion foreign aid package, has been stalled for weeks amid demands from Republicans — including many supportive of the Ukraine assistance — that it include strict new border security provisions and changes to U.S. immigration policy.
Negotiations continue, but the White House warned before Christmas that the U.S. would run out of funding to assist Ukraine by the end of 2023 if more was not approved, with Mr. Biden warning that if the funding wasn't approved, it would be the "greatest Christmas gift" for Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Given former President Donald Trump's bid to return to the White House with the U.S. elections in November, and his previous remarks suggesting some level of trust in Putin, Zelenskyy has been keen to stress to American politicians the importance of U.S. assistance as his country tries to fend off Russia's ongoing invasion.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan had both discussed with Zelenskyy in Davos "the importance of continued global assistance to support Ukraine as it fights for its freedom and sovereignty" and "strongly reiterated the United States' enduring support for Ukraine and its territorial integrity in the face of Russia's illegal war of aggression."
European funding for Ukraine blocked by Hungary
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said Ukraine's allies need to guarantee stable backing for Kyiv as questions swirl over future support from not only the United States, but the European Union.
"Ukraine can prevail in this war. But we must continue to empower their resistance," the head of the EU's executive arm told the Davos forum. "Ukrainians need predictable financing throughout 2024 and beyond. They need a sufficient and sustained supply of weapons to defend Ukraine and regain its rightful territory."
EU leaders will hold a summit on Feb. 1 to try to overcome a block from Hungary on providing 50 billion euros ($54.5 billion) in financial aid to Ukraine over the next four years.
The government in Kyiv desperately needs the funds to prop up its economy and keep services working as Russia's all-out war heads toward the start of its third year.
Budapest — Moscow's closest ally in the 27-nation EU — has signaled that it could agree to the aid if it is given the chance each year to veto further payments. EU officials say that if they cannot win over Hungary, the other 26 member states will look to provide cash outside the EU's budget, but this would likely be for a shorter timeframe.
Despite the concerns over funding and Ukraine's failure to make a breakthrough on the battlefield, von der Leyen said Russia was still "failing on strategic goals" with its war.
"Russia has lost roughly half of its military capabilities. Ukraine has driven Russia out of half the territories it had captured. Ukraine has pushed back Russia's Black Sea Fleet," she said. "Russia's failure is also economic. Sanctions have decoupled its economy from modern technology and innovation. It is now dependent on China."
- In:
- Antony Blinken
- United States Congress
- War
- Joe Biden
- Ukraine
- Donald Trump
- Russia
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
veryGood! (47821)
Related
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Illness took away her voice. AI created a replica she carries in her phone
- Roaring Kitty is back and so are meme stocks, GameStop and AMC surge at the opening bell
- Wisconsin Supreme Court considers expanding use of absentee ballot drop boxes
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Pioneering Financial Innovation: Wilbur Clark and the Ascendance of the FB Finance Institute
- Rudy Moreno, the 'Godfather of Latino Comedy,' dies at 66 following hospitalization
- 2 killed in single-engine plane crash in eastern Arkansas
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- Illness took away her voice. AI created a replica she carries in her phone
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- The Voice's New Season 26 Coaches Will Have You Feeling Good
- 8 people were killed in a shooting attack at a bar in Ecuador, local police say
- In progressive Argentina, the LGBTQ+ community says President Milei has turned back the clock
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Everlane’s Latest Capsule Collection Delivers Timeless Classics That Are Chic, Stylish & Vacation-Ready
- Steve Buscemi is 'OK' after actor was attacked during walk in New York City
- A police officer was killed in Pakistan-held Kashmir during protests against price hikes
Recommendation
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
El Paso Residents Rally to Protect a Rio Grande Wetland
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees latest test of new multiple rocket launcher
Virginia General Assembly poised to vote on compromise budget deal reached with Youngkin
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Vancouver Canucks hang on for NHL playoff Game 3 win vs. Edmonton Oilers
Poland’s prime minister vows to strengthen security at EU border with Belarus
DAF Finance Institute, the Ideal Starting Point