On Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the significant responsibility that the United States would bear for Ukraine's potential defeat if the Biden administration's request for multi-billion-dollar aid failed to secure approval in Congress. During her visit to Mexico City, Yellen underscored the crucial nature of the proposed funding, particularly earmarked for Ukraine's general government budget support. She emphasized that this funding was not only vital in addressing a dire situation but also a prerequisite to maintaining International Monetary Fund support for Ukraine.
Yellen stated that she and her colleagues had engaged with members of Congress to convey the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the failure to secure necessary funding could have severe consequences, making the US complicit in Ukraine's potential defeat. Direct budget support, according to Yellen, was indispensable in this context.
Earlier in the day, the chief of staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern over the delay in US aid, characterizing it as a significant risk to Ukraine's ongoing war against Russia's invasion. Zelenskyy had planned to address Congress directly to seek US aid but canceled these plans amid debates in Congress, particularly over Republican proposals to link aid to a reconfiguration of US immigration and border policies.
The US lawmakers have been deliberating a supplemental spending package exceeding $100 billion, encompassing aid for Ukraine and Israel, along with funding for border-related issues. Yellen stressed that the US funding for Ukraine was not only essential for the country itself but also crucial for European allies providing generous assistance to counter Russian aggression.
Yellen further highlighted Ukraine's financial challenges, emphasizing that the country was depleting its resources, primarily directed toward military salaries and defense. She pointed out that without aid from the US, Ukraine would struggle to maintain essential services such as schools, hospitals, and first responders.
In addressing concerns about potential misuse or corruption related to the aid, Yellen reassured that stringent controls were in place. The funds allocated for government budget support were channeled through the World Bank, which boasts robust anti-corruption safeguards to ensure the funds are utilized as intended.
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