The Pentagon had previously been reluctant to spend the rest of the money without assurances that it would be repaid by Congress. But with Ukraine in need of U.S. military aid and Republican leaders in the House of Representatives refusing to provide more funding, Defense Department officials are debating whether the internal funding position will allow the department to spend at least some of the remaining $4. billion. To help Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Officials insist no decision has been made yet, but talks about this and other options have become more urgent as the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine has worsened significantly. Ukrainian troops were forced to ration ammunition and lost control of many areas in the east, including the key city of Avdiyivka.
Asked about the possibility of using the remaining $4 billion, Defense Department spokesman Lt. Col. Caron Korn said in a statement, “The Department of Defense continues to urge Congress to pass a resolution to support Ukraine in its time of need and to replenish our reserves.”
“We will continue to look for ways to support Ukraine in its struggle for independence and sovereignty,” Pentagon spokesman Gen. Patrick Ryder said.
President Zelensky had no doubts
Last month, however, Ryder addressed some of the concerns the department had about using the funds. – Again, this is about the impact on our own preparedness. So, even though we have this $4.2 billion, if we spend it, we don't have the funds to replenish this reserve. “There is no set schedule and we have to make tough decisions,” he said.
The latest aid package for Ukraine is worth up to $250 million. Announced on December 27. Some weapons and equipment from previous packages continue to arrive in Ukraine, but the US has not announced any new packages since then.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN this week that Ukraine will not win the war without US support. – The people will be ready, but the ammunition will not be ready and the forces will not be ready. Not only for our counter attack, but they will not be ready to defend and be strong. It will be very difficult, he said.
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