The US does not have a “Plan B” for military assistance to Ukraine

The United States does not have a “Plan B” on the issue of military assistance to Ukraine, with the exception of $60 billion blocked due to disagreements in Congress. Bloomberg writes about this with reference to unnamed American officials.

According to the agency’s interlocutors, the White House is disappointed both with the Republicans, who have been delaying aid to Kyiv since the fall of 2023, and with allies in Europe, who, according to the Joe Biden administration, should transfer profits from Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine.

In addition, Washington believes that EU states should promptly respond to Kyiv’s request and organize the supply of Patriot air defense systems from their own reserves.

Yesterday, after a massive Russian air attack on the night of April 11, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky once again called on partner countries to speed up the adoption of measures to strengthen Ukrainian air defense. Last week, Zelensky said that Ukraine needs 25 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to completely protect its territory from Russian air attacks.

The day before, the European Parliament refused to make a decision on funding the EU Council due to the inability of the EU countries to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot systems. This decision was made on the initiative of MEP, former Prime Minister of Belgium Guy Verhovstadt. In his speech, he stated that, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, there are now 100 Patriot air defense systems in Europe.

The US Congress has been unable to approve more than $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine since last fall due to disagreements between Republicans and Democrats.