Ukraine Sees 'High Risk' of Losing War if US Congress Delays Crucial Aid

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi's chief of staff said on Tuesday that the suspension of US aid to Kiev under discussion in Congress would create a "high risk" of Ukraine losing the war with Russia.

Andriy Yermak's remarks were somewhat blunt yet from a senior Kiev official as uncertainty looms over the future of key US and EU aid packages after Ukraine's war with Russia broke out.

If aid is delayed, "there is a greater risk that we could be in the position we are in now," he told the audience in English.

"And of course, that makes it impossible to continuously release this extremely high probability and risk losing this war."

On Monday, White House officials said the United States was running out of time and money to help Ukraine fight Russia.

President Joe Biden's administration asked Congress in October for about $106 billion to fund ambitious projects for Ukraine, Israel and US border security, but Republicans, who control the House with a slim majority, rejected the package. Rejected.

US officials hope they can still get approval for a key package.

Yermak cited the risk of not having more direct budget support as a problem. Ukraine's government expects a budget deficit of $43 billion next year.

"Certainly, without that direct budgetary support, it would be difficult to hold the same positions and ... for people to really survive ... during a situation where the war continues," he said.

"That's why it's so important that this support is voted on and voted on as soon as possible."

Yermak was making his second visit to Washington in a few weeks. He said he planned to press lawmakers and administration officials on the importance that Congress pass a new aid package.

Ukraine mounted a major counteroffensive that year, but failed to break through the Russian defenses. Russia is now on the offensive in the East.

Yermak said Kiev has a plan for next year.

"We really have a plan and that plan includes ... military operations ... diplomatic activities and of course our cooperation in communications and information," he said.

(Source: Reuters)