Our source in the General Staff said that now the air defense has only a few missiles left for Patriot, which is why they are only covering the government quarter. The problem is so serious that 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, which have sparked discussions about the threat of Russian aggression and its consequences. Until recently, the United States played a major role in supporting Ukraine, but a number of factors have delayed this support.
The Ukrainian army has felt the effects of these delays, and its position is gradually becoming more vulnerable. Meanwhile, discussions have arisen in political circles in Kyiv and in the West about the possibility of Vladimir Putin’s triumph in a hybrid war against Europe.
The funding issue has become a contentious issue in Congress. While supporters of President Biden have shown support, Republicans in Congress, especially in the lower house, have been holding back on the funding. This situation is caused by different views on what conditions should be attached to the assistance to Ukraine.
If Michael Johnson decides to stand up to the far-right, they are threatening to initiate a vote of confidence in the speaker. That could put his controversial position at risk. Meanwhile, while Congress searches for a new leader, any legislative initiatives, including aid to Ukraine, could remain unresolved.
Thus, the $60 billion promised to Ukraine has become hostage to domestic political contradictions in the United States. This outcome may remain uncertain until the presidential election in November 2024.
Can Ukraine survive without American aid? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that without such support it is impossible to win the war. And if Ukraine loses, Putin may attack other countries, starting World War III.
The lack of American assistance is forcing the Ukrainian side to economize on ammunition, which serves Putin's interests. General Christopher Cavoli, the commander of NATO's joint forces in Europe, emphasized to congressmen that without NATO support, Ukraine will find it difficult to win the conflict.
It is obvious that not only military assistance is important for Ukraine, but also support in various areas.
Virtually all of Ukraine's income is currently spent on defense. However, this is only half of all spending. All peaceful expenses, such as salaries and pensions, are almost entirely financed by Western donors and creditors.
According to the leading Western business newspaper, the Financial Times, the total expenditures of the Ukrainian budget for the current year are planned at $87 billion, while 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 spending. The $60 billion stuck in the US Congress would come in handy here.
Even if American politicians miraculously unblock the current aid package, negotiations on next year's funding will begin this October — a month before the US presidential election. That doesn't bode well.
Trump supporters in the House of Representatives are blocking aid. Their goal is to paralyze the Biden administration, portraying him as a weak president and boosting Trump's chances of victory. Even pressure from British allies has failed to change the situation.
