Ukraine is at a critical juncture in its war with Russia and urgently needs more Western support, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, referring to the impasse in the US Congress over a military package billions of dollars for Kiev.
“It is absolutely essential that we give the Ukrainians what they continue to need to defend themselves, especially in terms of munitions and air defense,” Blinken said during a visit to France, Reuters reports.
“It’s another reason why President Biden’s supplemental budget request to Congress must be met as quickly as possible,” Blinken added.
The US secretary of state urged the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives to approve the package of military and financial aid measures for Ukraine, but House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed the matter for months, citing domestic priorities.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that if Ukraine does not receive help from the US, its forces will have to withdraw “in small steps”.
For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a tougher stance toward Russia in recent weeks amid fears that Ukraine is losing ground in the war, particularly as US support wanes.
Tags: Ukraine critical moment Antony Blinken Secretary State issues warning concern
