New majorities possible: USA: Midterms do not change anything about Ukraine involvement

New majorities possible
USA: Midterms do not change Ukraine engagement

With the midterms, the majority could turn in one or both US Congress chambers. Many observers expect that if the Republicans gain power, this could have an impact on US aid to Ukraine. The White House is trying to assuage those fears.

The White House has pledged U.S. firm support to Ukraine in the war against Russia, regardless of the outcome of the midterm elections. “We are confident that US support will be steadfast and unwavering,” said US President Joe Biden’s spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. As before, Biden is striving for cross-party cooperation in support of Ukraine.

The leader of the opposition Republicans in the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, recently said that if his party wins the expected majority in the Congress Chamber, there will be no “blank check” for Ukraine in the future. This raised fears that Republicans might curtail massive US military and economic aid to Ukraine after what is known as the midterms.

Most recently, McCarthy emphasized on the news channel CNN that he supports Ukraine. However, it must be ensured “that the funds go where they are needed”. Congress must be able to “debate openly” about this, said the MP, who is likely to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives after the midterms. Republicans have repeatedly criticized the extent of US aid to Ukraine. Most of the conservative party, however, is behind the support for Kyiv.

US Congress passes $40 billion aid package

The United States is providing massive military and financial support to Ukraine in the war against Russia. Washington is supplying the Ukrainian army with rocket launchers, drones, artillery ammunition and vehicles, among other things. In May, Congress passed a $40 billion (around €40 billion) aid package for the country attacked by Russia.

In the United States, Parliament controls the budget and thus has a great deal of influence on the government’s foreign and security policies. According to polls, ex-President Donald Trump’s Republicans are likely to win a majority in the House of Representatives in the midterms. The party also has good chances of a future Senate majority.

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