Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh urged Congress to approve additional security aid to Ukraine amid stalled negotiations over further assistance in its conflict with Russia.
Singh emphasized the supposed importance of passing President Biden’s national security supplemental request, describing it as a crucial investment in U.S. national security, Fox News Digital reports.
She argued that supporting Ukraine would help prevent a larger war in Europe, strengthen the defense industrial base, and create skilled jobs in the U.S. The call for additional aid comes as the U.S. announced a $175 million military assistance package to Ukraine, including guided missiles, anti-armor systems, and high-speed anti-radiation missiles.
Singh’s plea coincides with challenges in Congress regarding the approval of further aid to Ukraine and Israel in their conflict with Hamas.
The Biden administration’s request for a nearly $106 billion aid package faces opposition from Republicans who advocate redirecting the funds to implement border security and policy changes.
The $175 million aid package for Ukraine will be facilitated through the presidential drawdown authority, allowing swift deployment of weapons from existing U.S. stockpiles to the conflict zone.
Meanwhile, negotiations over the broader aid package have encountered resistance, leading to delays in providing critical support to Ukraine and Israel.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon to discuss ongoing developments in the conflict. While the war has faced a seasonal slowdown due to wintry conditions, both sides continue to engage in airstrikes. Ukraine aims to maintain pressure on Russia throughout the winter to prevent the solidification of battle lines.
Despite the challenges, the United States has already committed over $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The urgent call for additional aid reflects the ongoing complexities and strategic importance of supporting Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression.
