The US military is now using funding intended for operations in Europe and Africa to support Ukraine; if Congress does not take swift action, the military may soon run out of money for operations in those regions of the world.
The United States is currently providing hundreds of millions of dollars to assist Ukraine during a deadlock in Congress, as per Daily Mail.
Senate Approves $95B Defense Aid Bill
The Senate has approved a $95 billion emergency defense-aid bill to offer assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. With $60 billion assigned for Ukraine, the bill may encounter resistance from Republicans,
The Army's Europe and Africa Command is facing a shortfall as it deals with operational costs of around $3 billion in 2024. According to CNN, the funding falls $2 billion short of the estimated budget needed for training, weapons, and equipment for Ukraine and other operations under the US Command in Europe and Africa.
A senior Army official emphasized the need for action, stating that without a base budget, Ukraine supplemental funding, or if the government shuts down, they will run out of operations and maintenance funding in May.
This funding crisis could have an important effect. If the Army doesn't receive more funds, its capacity to train with allied partners and strengthen NATO's eastern flank could be at risk. The US Army spokesperson stressed the significance of timely funding, proving that while words of support are appreciated, they are insufficient without financial support.
Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, echoed these concerns, pointing out that a lack of funds could lead to a situation where the Army has to reallocate resources internally. Wormuth emphasized the difficulty of prioritizing when every dollar is crucial for various aspects of military operations, according to Business Insider.
Training for Ukrainian Troops Continues
While the funding for Ukraine has dried up, the training for Ukrainian troops remains a priority, deemed mission-critical by the President. Col. Martin O'Donnell, spokesperson for US Army Europe and Africa, confirmed ongoing training for approximately 1,500 Ukrainians in Germany and the training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter aircraft in Arizona.
However, lack of funds present a threat not just to training but also to the supply of equipment. The US regularly shared aid packages until the funding came to a halt at the end of 2023. Last week, the Senate passed a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which includes $60 billion for Ukraine, as lawmakers continue to discuss additional funding for the country.
But the bill's future in the House is still up in the air, with Speaker Mike Johnson showing reservations about putting it up for a vote. In fiscal year 2024, the Army allocated millions of dollars to deals, travel, transport, and supplies.
These funds cover logistics, food, equipment, and supplies for both Ukrainian and US troops. A senior Army official clarified the critical impact of funding delays on national security and global perceptions, especially in regions such as the Pacific, where countries like China closely monitor these kinds of occurrences.
Sabrina Singh, the deputy Pentagon press secretary, demonstrated the need for securing a 2024 budget, citing concerns about how the lack of funding might influence the Department of Defense's modernization and operational capabilities. An official issued a warning about the interrelated repercussions, including the broader international impact on countries such as China and Russia, and mentioned that "Russia is definitely watching," CNN News reported.
