US President Biden hosts urgent talks amid Ukraine aid standoff

US President Joe Biden called urgent meetings with key Congressional leaders on Tuesday at the White House in an attempt to break the impasse over funding to Ukraine and avert an impending government shutdown.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's request for ongoing Western help against Russia's invasion highlighted the seriousness of the situation. Zelensky emphasized the imperative need for the United States to approve a $60 billion assistance package that has been delayed.

Nevertheless, major obstacles still exist in the way of providing this assistance. In the face of constant Russian strikes, Ukrainian soldiers are severely short on ammunition, and suspicious Republicans in the House of Representatives are unwilling to allow any further aid. The pressure from Donald Trump, the front-runner for the presidency, to stop financing until his campaign promise to handle illegal immigration at the southern border is fulfilled, strengthens their opposition.

Calls for a vote on Biden's supplementary financing plan have been rejected by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch supporter of Trump. As Biden and Johnson meet with Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Chuck Schumer, and Mitch McConnell, the future of this important legislation is in jeopardy.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted the importance of Speaker Johnson's influence on the bill's passage while highlighting the bipartisan support that is pending.

With Congress yet to approve 12 yearly spending measures that make up the federal budget for the 2024 fiscal year, the urgency of the assistance request is increased by the possibility of a government shutdown. If congress does not take action, there's a chance that a shutdown may occur just after Biden's next State of the Union speech.

Joining the clamor of those calling for immediate action, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized how important it is to defend national security interests and help Ukraine.

Source:AFP