Ukraine: Speaker Johnson slams Biden’s funding strategy on Ukraine, White House warns Putin could win if aid is cut

In a renewed call for action, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson urged President Biden to address concerns over the administration’s handling of Ukraine strategy and immigration policy changes. The weeks-long deadlock between parties has centered on security assistance for Kyiv.
Johnson reiterated his demand for clear objectives and timely provision of essential weapons for Ukraine, criticizing the administration’s failure.Simultaneously, he stressed the urgency of regaining operational control at the U.S. border, aligning with Republican priorities.
This comes in response to a warning from White House budget director Shalanda Young on Monday, stating that the U.S. aid for Ukraine will run out by the end of the year. Young’s letter to Johnson emphasized the critical need for fresh funding, highlighting the potential consequences of a funding shortfall on Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion.
President Biden’s October request for a $106 billion national security package, covering Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security, has faced challenges in Congress. House Republicans, under Johnson’s leadership, passed a bill providing security assistance only for Israel, coupled with cuts to the IRS budget, a move opposed by Democrats.
While Democrats, holding a slim Senate majority, refrained from putting the bill to a vote, Republicans insisted on linking Ukraine assistance to increased funding for border security and changes in immigration policy.
The impasse has led to a looming crisis, with the White House warning that failure to agree on fresh funding could result in Russia gaining an advantage in the ongoing conflict. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the stark choice Congress faces in supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom or allowing Putin to prevail.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address a classified briefing for senators, urging their support. The situation remains dire on Ukraine’s front line, with concerns growing that Putin may wait until the next U.S. presidential election before considering a meaningful peace.
As the funding crisis intensifies, the judgment of history is at stake, according to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He called on all senators to consider the repercussions of inaction, stating that global adversaries, including Putin and Hamas, closely watch the situation. With time running out and no resolution in sight, the fate of crucial funding for Ukraine hangs in the balance.
(with inputs from agencies)