According to some Western observers, after the congressional elections, the US support for Ukraine may even increase. But there are certain conditions.
former adviser to George W. Bush” alt=”Republican audit of funds does not mean reduction of aid to Ukraine – former adviser to George W. Bush” />
In the mid-term elections to the US Congress, the Republicans won the majority of seats in the House of Representatives and immediately started talking about limiting support for Ukraine. Right-wing radical “Trumpists” called for at least to introduce an immediate audit of funds, which are provided to Kyiv, and as a maximum — to completely stop aid in the war against Russia. This seriously worried not only the Ukrainian authorities, but also European allies. In fact, the statements of individual representatives of the Republican Party should not be taken too literally. According to Michael Allen, a former adviser to US President George Bush Jr., US aid will not only not decrease, but may even increase under certain conditions. Why – he explains in an author's column for Politico.
According to Allen, the US and it is really necessary to check the funds provided to Ukraine. This will give a transparent picture of the fact that they are really being used for their intended purpose, and will strengthen the confidence of American voters in the Ukrainian government and president. Trump supporters aside, most moderate Republicans are not opposed to helping Kiev, but they do not want to compromise themselves in the eyes of their own voters. In addition, Democratic opponents want a clear plan of action from the Biden administration, not “indefinite promises of arms and money”.
Read also: The Hill: Experts explained why Republicans are suddenly against aid to Ukraine
The second important aspect for the Republicans is a clear position of Europe. Part of the political elite in the USA is dissatisfied with the low level of aid to Ukraine from the EU. European institutions have repeatedly missed promised payments, and their funds are currently facing a lack of funds. For some Republicans, it looks as if Germany and the other largest economies of the continent are covering themselves under the security umbrella of the United States and only creating the illusion of helping Ukraine. If allies manage to change this impression, the US will more confidently and openly cooperate with both Kyiv and the EU.
Allen calls geopolitical interest of the USA the last and perhaps the most important argument for increasing aid to Ukraine. The newly elected Congress must understand that by defeating Russia, the United States has a chance to significantly shake the position of China, which is still an ally of the Kremlin and America's main competitor for world leadership. diplomatic position of Kyiv itself, US support can only increase over time.
Read also: Blinken assured that the USA will continue to support Ukraine
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