NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, currently in Washington, joins Nick Schifrin from the Pentagon to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the support provided by western countries to the beleaguered nation.
Stoltenberg is working to convince US legislators to give their approval to a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. This package has been facing opposition from congressional Republicans since October 2023.
Stoltenberg emphasized the crucial need for ongoing support to Ukraine during a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, highlighting the unprecedented assistance provided by NATO allies.
"Our support is not charity; it's an investment in our own security because the world will become more dangerous if (Russian) President Putin wins in Ukraine."
On January 29, Stoltenberg and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a joint press conference, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their support for Ukraine. Stoltenberg highlighted the significant financial support provided to Ukraine by NATO allies and partners, surpassing the individual contribution of the US.
Blinken emphasized the ongoing bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, highlighting the crucial importance of maintaining funding for Ukrainian troops.
"There is no other source of funding available, and we have currently depleted the military assistance we have been providing for Ukraine. The consequences of this are becoming evident on the battlefield," stated Blinken.
Stoltenberg is aiming to convince Republicans in Congress to release the much-needed funds that have been delayed for a long time, which are crucial for Ukraine's front line.
In December, the funding bill was blocked by Senate Republicans who insisted on implementing stricter measures regarding border and immigration policy.
Stoltenberg is scheduled to meet with lawmakers on Jan. 30, engaging in discussions with members from both the Republican and Democratic parties in both chambers of Congress. On January 31, he is scheduled to address the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, where he will make a direct appeal to those who strongly oppose providing aid to Ukraine.
United States' Financial Aid to Ukraine
Supporters of former US President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump have voiced their opposition to providing further financial aid to Kyiv. Senate negotiators have reportedly reached an agreement on border policy and funding for Ukraine.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has already expressed his opposition, stating that any proposal of this nature will not be considered in the House. During the joint press conference, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of achieving peace, highlighting the need for the defeat of Russian troops, as per Yahoo.
According to a NATO military official, the ongoing conflict is being described as a "long-term engagement" that is closely linked to the demonstration of American leadership, which is widely supported and encouraged.
Nevertheless, Stoltenberg has achieved notable successes to highlight this week in anticipation of the alliance's upcoming 75th anniversary celebration in Washington in July.
Several countries, including Poland, Romania, France, Germany, the UK, and the Baltic states, have significantly boosted their defense budgets by tens of billions of dollars. Additionally, Finland, a new member, and Sweden, a soon-to-be member, have also committed to making major investments in defense.
Per Politico, Stoltenberg will also have an interesting narrative to share regarding the efforts of NATO countries to boost defense production and establish partnerships with Ukrainian arms manufacturers in order to revive Kyiv's ability to produce its own weapons. This message of self-reliance is likely to resonate with the audience in Washington.
"There appears to be significant interest from both Ukrainian and US defense industry stakeholders regarding potential collaborations with Ukraine," stated Mira Resnick, head of the State Department's Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, during an interview.
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