President Joe Biden, during a call with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, blamed the American Congress for the Russian army's advance on the city of Avdiivka. Remembering that congressmen blocked an aid package for the country at war amid internal disputes.
“This morning, Ukraine's military was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka after soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of Congressional inaction, resulting in Russia's first notable gains in months. President Biden emphasized the need for Congress to urgently approve the supplemental national security funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces,” the White House said on Saturday (17).
The call between the leaders takes place in a week defined by the US's attempts to reassert leadership on the world stage.
Biden also highlighted the urgency of sending additional funds to Ukraine amid the withdrawal from Avdiivka, a key town that in recent months has become the battlefield center of the eastern European war. The American leader also commented on the news of the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Earlier this week, the Senate approved with bipartisan support a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which includes $60 billion to support Ukraine. However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said he does not plan to move forward with the bill.
U.S. officials have recently expressed concern about Russian gains in the war, suggesting it is a reflection of a slowdown in aid.
National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said in a statement shared with the CNN that Avdiivka's withdrawal is a direct result of the foreign aid bill being stalled in Congress.
“This is the cost of Congress’s inaction. The Ukrainians continue to fight valiantly, but are running out of supplies. It is critical that the House approve additional funding for Ukraine without delay so that we can provide the country with the artillery shells and other critical equipment they need to defend themselves,” she said.
Vice President Kamala Harris met this Saturday with President Zelensky. On that occasion, Harris asked Congress to send aid to Ukraine and criticized Republicans for blocking the project in the House.
“The political game has no role to play in what is fundamentally about the importance of standing with an ally as they suffer unprovoked aggression,” Harris told reporters after a bilateral meeting with Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
“For us, this package is vital,” Zelensky said. “We are currently not looking for alternatives because we rely on the United States.”
While the Ukrainian leader said he does not consider the lack of additional funding a betrayal, he criticized the House for being in recess until the end of the month.
“Please everyone remember that dictators don’t go on vacation,” he said during a speech at the conference. “Hate never stops. The enemy artillery does not remain silent due to procedural issues.”
Biden on Friday criticized House lawmakers for taking a two-week break, calling it “outrageous” and telling reporters that it is “time for them to step up” following the figure’s death. of the Russian opposition Navalny.
“Two weeks, they’re leaving,” Biden said at the White House. “Two weeks. What are they thinking? My God, this is bizarre, and it's just reinforcing all the concern and almost – I won't say panic – but real concern about the United States being a reliable ally. This is an outrage.”
Ukraine has faced renewed pressure across the eastern front in its war against Russia, worsened by shortages of ammunition and soldiers. Avdiivka's withdrawal marks the biggest gain for Moscow since it captured the city of Bakhmut last year.
Source: CNN Brasil
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