The U.S. government is running out of pre-approved funds for Ukraine, with only $1-B left according to White House Press Secretary Karin Jean-Pierre.
She explained that around 96% of the authorized funds have been used up, with the rest to be spent this December.
$1-B is the amount of money remaining in the replenishment authority which allows the U.S. military to procure weapons from private contractors to replace the older equipment sent to Ukraine.
To recall, after a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, U.S. President Joe Biden announced $200-M in military aid to Kyiv.
This aid includes additional air defense interceptors, artillery, and ammunition.
Biden has repeatedly urged the U.S. Congress to approve his $106-B supplemental funding request, which includes around $60-B in aid for Ukraine, assistance for Israel, and Taiwan, and funds to boost the border between U.S. and Mexico.
However, U.S. Senate Republicans do not want to greenlight the measure, as they want stricter immigration controls and funding.
Some of the GOP members have also been reluctant and skeptical of providing aid to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy to critics: Go to the front line
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has urged his critics to go to the frontline and that his political opponents should prioritize the conflict over anything else.
Zelenskyy made the remarks in a recent interview with Bret Baier of Fox News.
When asked about the accusations that he has sought to consolidate power and transformed Ukraine into an authoritarian state, Zelenskyy replied,
“I say [to] such [a] person from government or mayors: think about the war, think about how to defend our people. Don’t travel through the world each day, travel to the front line.”
“And don’t cry, because you’re leaders, and that’s it. That’s why we are, and that’s why we stayed, because most of the people, people are not crying” according to Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine.
