Ukraine-Russia/Washington war with divided positions on funds for Kiev

2024-01-04 18:42:40, Kosova & Bota CNA

Russia and Ukraine began 2024 with attacks against each other, as Kiev continues efforts to liberate areas taken from the Kremlin's occupation forces. But much of the drama of the conflict is centered in Washington, where Republicans are reluctant to approve President Joe Biden's emergency request for billions of dollars in funding for Ukraine.

A grim start to 2024 as the two-year anniversary of the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine approaches in February 2022. As the world marked the start of 2024, Moscow struck Kiev and Kharkiv in Ukraine. Kiev retaliated, striking again in Russia's Belgorod border region.

But much of the drama behind this conflict is unfolding on the other side of the globe, in Washington, where Republican leaders are reluctant to approve President Joe Biden's request for about $64 billion in military and government aid to Ukraine.

Republicans point to concerns about accountability for the funds and the burden this aid causes on the United States, but the White House says time is running out.

"Despite what I've heard in some press reports that Mr. Putin is suddenly ready to negotiate, he's not acting like someone who's ready to negotiate. He's doing everything against the Ukrainians, and that's why it's so important to approve the president's request for additional funding," said John Kirby, director of strategic communications at the National Security Council.

Military analysts say the situation on the ground looks like a stalemate, with Ukraine showing high resolve against a much bigger enemy, Russia.

VOA spoke with Mr. Mark Cancian, a retired colonel with the Marine Corps Reserve Forces, currently an advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Without American help, Ukraine's military capability will fade and eventually they will not be able to resist Russian attacks. Even now, they probably don't have enough ammunition and supplies to launch a counteroffensive. In a few months, they will find it difficult to mount counterattacks. I think that from the spring, they will find it difficult to defend the positions. The military aid effort is crucial for the future of the conflict."

President Vladimir Putin recently vowed to continue the fight.