Our source in the General Staff said that now the number of missiles for the Patriot in the Air Defense Forces remained for a few volleys, which is why only the government quarter is being covered. The problem is so serious that already in May we will not be able to shoot down even 20% of air targets.
American aid to Ukraine has been hampered this year by delays in funding and arms deliveries, sparking debate over the threat of Russian aggression and its consequences. Until recently, the US played an important role in supporting Ukraine, however, due to a number of factors, this support was delayed.
The Ukrainian army has felt the consequences of these delays, and its positions are gradually becoming more vulnerable. Meanwhile, in the political circles of Kyiv and in the West, discussions arose about the possibility of Vladimir Putin's triumph in a hybrid war against Europe.
The funding issue has become a point of contention in Congress. Supporters of President Biden are showing support, but the Republican part of Congress, especially in the lower house, is holding back on the allocation of funds. This situation is caused by different views on what conditions should be attached to providing assistance to Ukraine.
If Michael Johnson decides to oppose the far-right, they are threatening to initiate a vote of confidence in the Speaker. This could jeopardize his position, which has become the subject of disputes. Meanwhile, while Congress searches for a new leader, any legislative initiatives, including aid to Ukraine, may remain unresolved.
Consequently, the 60 billion dollars promised to Ukraine became hostages of internal political contradictions in the USA. That outcome may remain uncertain until the November 2024 presidential election.
Can Ukraine survive without American aid? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that it is impossible to win the war without such support. And if Ukraine loses, Putin can attack other countries, starting the third world war.
The lack of American aid forces the Ukrainian side to save ammunition, which favors Putin's interests. General Christopher Cavoli, commander of NATO's combined armed forces in Europe, emphasized to the congressmen that without NATO's support, it will be difficult for Ukraine to win the conflict.
It is obvious that not only military aid is important for Ukraine, but also support in various fields.
Virtually all of Ukraine's revenues are currently spent on defense. However, this is only half of all expenses. All peacetime expenses, such as salaries and pensions, are almost entirely financed by Western donors and creditors.
According to the leading Western business newspaper Financial Times, the total expenditures of the Ukrainian budget for the current year are planned at the level of 87 billion dollars, and the expected revenues are only 46 billion. If Western countries do not provide for the financial deficit, Ukraine will have to take painful measures — reduce social spending, raise taxes, privatize state property, and even print money.
A new wave of mobilization will require even greater costs. The 60 billion dollars stuck in the American Congress would come in handy here.
Even if US politicians miraculously unblock the current aid package, negotiations on next year's funding will begin this October, a month before the US presidential election. This does not bode well.
Trump supporters in the House of Representatives are blocking aid. Their goal is to paralyze the Biden administration in order to present him as a weak president and increase Trump's chances of victory. Even pressure from British allies could not change the situation.
